January 2025 marked Russia’s second-highest monthly personnel loss, with approximately 48,240 casualties, closely trailing December 2024’s record. This represents a daily average loss exceeding 1,500 personnel. UK Defence Intelligence projects continued high casualty rates, averaging over 1,000 daily losses in February, attributed to the intensity of Russian operations. Cumulative losses since the war’s beginning are estimated to surpass 50,000 for the year and 837,000 overall.
Read More
Eighteen-year-old James Wilton, driven by a strong conviction, volunteered to fight for Ukraine after college, despite his family’s reservations. He joined the International Legion, undergoing basic training before deployment to the eastern front. Tragically, James was killed in a drone attack during his first mission, a victim of what his father describes as inadequate equipment and the use of volunteers as “cannon fodder.” Although he expressed some concerns shortly before his death, James found camaraderie among his fellow soldiers and maintained contact with his family.
Read More
Ukrainian drone strikes have reportedly triggered fires at several major oil and gas facilities within Russia. This development underscores the escalating conflict and the increasingly sophisticated tactics employed by Ukraine in its resistance against the ongoing invasion. The fires, ignited by falling drone debris, highlight the vulnerability of Russia’s critical infrastructure, despite its vast size and military capabilities.
The targeting of oil refineries, specifically the distillation columns—those tall, distinctive towers crucial to the refining process—suggests a strategic approach. These columns are not easily replaced, and their destruction could significantly impact Russia’s oil production and refining capacity. The inability to easily manufacture replacements domestically further exacerbates the situation for Russia, potentially hindering their war effort and economic stability.… Continue reading
The death of a high-ranking Russian official in a landmine explosion in Ukraine marks a significant event in the ongoing conflict. This individual, a vice regional governor from Primorsky Krai in the Russian Far East, a region bordering North Korea and China, chose to participate in the war as a volunteer. His death in Kursk highlights the significant human cost of the conflict, even impacting those in positions of power.
The governor of Primorsky Krai publicly mourned the loss, portraying the deceased as a hero and promising retribution. This emotional response underscores the gravity of the situation for Russia and the potential for escalating tensions.… Continue reading
A Ukrainian drone attack targeted a major Lukoil oil refinery in Volgograd Oblast on January 31st, resulting in explosions near the facility. This attack, a joint operation by Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces and HUR, is part of a broader strategy to disrupt Russian military logistics and weaken its economy. The refinery, one of Russia’s ten largest, produces various fuels and has been targeted multiple times previously. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported intercepting numerous drones that night, though damage assessments are ongoing.
Read More
North Korean troops’ deployment to the Ukrainian front lines has been a topic of considerable discussion, and recent reports suggest their withdrawal. This isn’t necessarily a sign of success for North Korea, but rather a consequence of the brutal realities of modern warfare and the limitations of outdated tactics. It appears their initial deployment was a strategic gamble by Russia, desperate for manpower and artillery support.
The initial hope was that North Korea, with its vast reserves of artillery shells—estimated to account for half of Russia’s daily munitions—could bolster the Russian war effort. This was a gamble based on the sheer volume of shells available, regardless of their quality or reliability.… Continue reading
Ukrainian drone strikes on the Kstovo oil refinery in Russia resulted in a significant fire, impacting approximately 5% of Russia’s total refinery output. This attack, part of a broader Ukrainian campaign targeting Russian oil facilities, represents a recent escalation in the ongoing conflict. The cost-effectiveness of drones compared to refinery repair costs makes this strategy viable for Ukraine, aiming to cripple Russia’s primary revenue source and war effort. The impact of this campaign may be further influenced by the continuation or alteration of existing US sanctions on Russian oil.
Read More
In a recent interview, President Zelensky defended Ukraine’s mobilization efforts, emphasizing that sufficient troop numbers are crucial to ending the war swiftly and bringing soldiers home. While acknowledging the need for improved rotation policies within the Armed Forces, he stressed that widespread demobilization would be disastrous, leaving Ukraine vulnerable to Russian aggression. Ukraine’s mobilization has faced challenges, including slowed progress last autumn despite legal reforms, prompting ongoing efforts to streamline conscription and incentivize voluntary enlistment among younger citizens. Despite criticism of current practices, Zelensky maintains his stance against lowering the draft age.
Read More
Russia’s outright rejection of NATO peacekeeping troops in Ukraine, citing the risk of “uncontrollable escalation,” is a predictable yet frustrating response. Their argument hinges on the idea that a NATO presence would somehow destabilize the region further, despite the fact that Russia’s invasion is the very root of the instability. This feels less like a genuine concern for peace and more like a thinly veiled attempt to prevent any international oversight of their actions in Ukraine.
The claim of “uncontrollable escalation” rings hollow, considering the countless instances of Russia escalating the conflict itself. Their actions, from the initial invasion to ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure, have consistently demonstrated a disregard for international norms and a willingness to stoke conflict.… Continue reading
Verified drone footage and multiple sources reveal that Russia is deploying injured soldiers, many requiring crutches, into front-line combat near Pokrovsk. These “crutch battalions,” part of the 20th Combined Arms Army, are used in infantry assaults deemed more effective than mechanized operations despite incurring heavy casualties from Ukrainian drone strikes. This practice underscores Russia’s severe manpower shortage and inability to replace combat losses, which reportedly reached 434,000 in 2024 alone, according to Ukrainian General Oleksandr Syrskyi. The Kremlin’s increasing reliance on visibly wounded soldiers highlights the failing regeneration of combat-effective units.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood