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Ukraine’s largest drone strike hits Russia, targets key industrial sites

January 14, 2025

Ukraine carried out one of its largest drone and missile attacks against Russia, targeting industrial and strategic locations across multiple regions. The strikes, which took place overnight Monday, Jan. 13, reportedly caused significant damage to facilities and prompted school closures and flight restrictions in parts of southern Russia.

Russian officials reported damage to oil production and chemical facilities in the Saratov and Engels regions. Saratov Gov. Roman Busargin confirmed what he described as a “massive UAV attack” that hit two industrial plants.

Engels, a city that hosts an airbase for Russian nuclear bombers, has been a frequent target, with emergency crews recently extinguishing a large fire from a previous strike on Jan. 8. Flight restrictions remained in effect in neighboring areas.

Ukraine’s Center for Strategic Communications stated that seven regions in Russia were targeted. The attacks focused on military production facilities, oil and gas infrastructure and storage sites for guided bombs and missiles.

The agency did not specify the number of drones or missiles used. Meanwhile, Russian authorities claimed they intercepted at least 146 drones and several missiles, including U.S.-made ATACMS and U.K.-made Storm Shadow missiles. Some reports suggested Ukraine downed over 200 drones and additional missiles, though these figures remain unverified.

Local media reported explosions in the Bryansk region near the Ukrainian border, attributing the blasts to a chemical plant. In the Tula region, fires were reported at a refinery and a munitions storage facility.

Future US support for Ukraine uncertain

These strikes come as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, raising questions about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine. Ukrainian officials viewed the attacks as a demonstration of their capability to target critical infrastructure deep within Russian territory.

In response, Russia launched a counter-aerial assault on Ukraine, deploying nearly 80 drones overnight. Ukraine’s air force reported shooting down 60 of the drones, though falling debris caused damage to buildings and vehicles in several areas. No casualties were reported.
Ukraine captures North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia

January 13, 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the capture of two North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region, marking the first time Ukraine has detained North Korean troops since their deployment to the conflict. Zelenskyy shared a video showing interrogators questioning the wounded prisoners.

In addition to the first captured soldiers from North Korea, there will undoubtedly be more. It’s only a matter of time before our troops manage to capture others. There should be no doubt left in the world that the Russian army is dependent on military assistance from North… pic.twitter.com/4RyCfUoHoC
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 12, 2025

One soldier told interrogators that he believed he was on a training exercise and did not know he was in Ukraine until his capture. The other expressed a preference to stay in Ukraine rather than return to North Korea.

North Korea deployed 12,000 troops to Russia last year, augmenting earlier support that included ammunition and ballistic missiles.

According to South Korean intelligence, approximately 300 North Korean soldiers have been killed and 2,700 injured, with many casualties attributed to inadequate training in modern warfare and unsuccessful attempts to counter long-range drones.

Documents recovered from deceased North Korean soldiers revealed orders from Pyongyang instructing troops to avoid capture at all costs, including directives to commit suicide if necessary.

Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces reported that one North Korean soldier attempted to detonate a grenade to evade capture, killing himself without injuring Ukrainian forces.

Zelenskyy proposed returning the captured North Korean soldiers to their leader, Kim Jong Un, in exchange for Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia. He emphasized that North Korea’s involvement underscores Russia’s increasing dependence on foreign military assistance, stating that Russia began the war with demands directed at NATO but now relies on support from Pyongyang.

The Kremlin declined to comment on Zelenskyy’s prisoner swap offer, stating the information could not be verified. Zelenskyy also suggested that North Korean soldiers who choose not to return home could remain in Ukraine to help disseminate truthful accounts of the conflict.
Zelenskyy, Austin urge continued US support for Ukraine in final meeting

January 10, 2025

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used their final high-profile meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany to emphasize the need for continued international support for Ukraine. Addressing leaders from about 50 nations at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, Austin warned that reducing military aid could lead to greater instability and urged unwavering support.

“No responsible leader would let Putin have his way,” Austin said.

Without directly addressing President-elect Donald Trump’s policies, Austin stressed the importance of continued support for Ukraine to maintain the rules-based international order. He added that halting military aid now would invite “more aggression, chaos, and war.”

“I’m leaving this contact group, not with a farewell, but with a challenge. The coalition to support Ukraine must not flinch. It must not falter, and it must not fail. Ukraine’s survival is on the line. But so is all of our security,” Austin said.

Austin acknowledged uncertainty surrounding the incoming administration’s approach but pointed to the coalition’s progress and urged leaders to remain committed.

Zelenskyy echoed these concerns, framing Ukraine’s fight as a broader defense of sovereignty.

“No matter what’s going on in the world, everyone wants to feel sure that their country will not just be erased off the map,” Zelenskyy said.

In its final weeks, the Biden administration focused on bolstering Ukraine’s defenses. A recently approved $500 million weapons package includes air defense missiles, sustainment equipment for F-16 fighter jets and other critical supplies. The Pentagon is working to deliver the aid before Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20.
Sec. Austin to announce billions in Ukraine military aid in Germany

January 8, 2025
The Biden administration is preparing what could be one of its final major weapons packages for Ukraine. This comes as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin heads to Germany this week for a critical meeting with international allies.

Austin is expected to announce the aid during the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base on Thursday, Jan. 9. It remains unclear whether the coalition, established under Austin’s leadership, will continue under the incoming Trump administration.

Officials anticipate the new package will total several billion dollars and will be sourced from existing U.S. military stockpiles for rapid delivery. The aid is expected to include critical equipment such as air defense systems, artillery and armored vehicles.

While substantial, the package will not deplete the approximately $4 billion remaining in congressionally authorized funding for Ukraine. Defense officials have indicated that “more than a couple of billion dollars” will likely be left for the incoming administration to allocate as it deems appropriate.

In recent weeks, the Biden administration has expedited nearly $6 billion in military and economic aid to Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen recently announced $3.4 billion in economic support to sustain Ukraine’s government operations, schools and emergency services, alongside $2.5 billion in security assistance to address immediate defense needs.

Since 2022, the U.S. has provided $66 billion of the $126 billion in total aid contributed by international allies. The Ukraine Defense Contact Group, comprising 50 nations, has played a pivotal role in coordinating this support.

Established by Austin after Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the group has focused on delivering training, equipment and financial assistance to bolster Ukraine’s defenses.

As the conflict approaches its third year, both Ukraine and Russia are seeking strategic gains before the U.S. presidential transition on Jan. 20. Ukraine continues to face relentless missile strikes and aerial attacks from Russia, while simultaneously launching a second offensive in the Kursk region.

Transition discussions between the Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump’s team have addressed the future of U.S. aid to Ukraine. While Trump has pledged to end the war, he has acknowledged that achieving such a goal will likely be complex.
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N. Korea launched first ballistic missile of 2025 during Blinken’s visit: Seoul

January 6, 2025
Seoul said that North Korea test fired its first ballistic missile of the new year on Monday, Jan. 6, as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited South Korea. Blinken and his South Korean counterpart condemned the launch during a joint press conference on the same day.

He called the test fire “another violation of multiple U.N. security resolutions” and the South said that it threatens peace in the Indo-Pacific.

South Korea said that the missile traveled 685 miles before falling into the ocean between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Intelligence officials said the missile was fired from Pyongyang, and the U.S. and South Korean military detected preparations before the test fire.

In response to the launch, Seoul said that it is strengthening its surveillance and security in the region for any potential additional launches. There was no reported damage from the test fire on Monday.

The missile launch came as Blinken visited Seoul for talks with South Korea over the threat of North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, and its increasingly close relationship with Moscow. Both Blinken and South Korean officials reportedly believe North Korea’s cooperation with Russia is expanding.

Blinken accused Moscow on Monday of planning to “share space and satellite technology” with North Korea. Moscow is already getting help in part of the deal, as Pyongyang has sent thousands of soldiers to fight alongside Russian troops in Ukraine.

As of the publishing of this report, North Korean media has yet to report on the test fire. They usually report on test fires within 24 hours of a launch.
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US sanctions Russian and Iranian groups over 2024 election interference

January 2, 2025
The U.S. Treasury Department announced new sanctions targeting two foreign organizations accused of attempting to interfere in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. The sanctions focus on a Russian group, the Center for Geopolitical Expertise, linked to Moscow’s foreign military intelligence agency, the GRU, and an Iranian group, the Cognitive Design Production Center, tied to the country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

According to the Treasury Department, both organizations are behind efforts to spread disinformation and create division among U.S. voters. The Russian-linked group is accused of using artificial intelligence to generate fake news stories and manipulate videos.

The group allegedly created online videos designed to smear the reputation of Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate, Tim Walz, and ran a network of more than 100 fake websites spreading false claims about the 2024 election.

The Iranian group is accused of planning similar influence operations since at least 2023, aimed at inciting socio-political unrest in the U.S., according to the Treasury Department’s press release.

Treasury officials said the sanctions are part of a broader effort to protect U.S. elections from foreign interference. The sanctions freeze all assets of the targeted organizations in the U.S. and prevent American individuals and entities from engaging with or investing in them.

This move follows multiple warnings from the FBI about the growing threat of foreign influence in U.S. elections.

“Today’s sanctions build on numerous previous U.S. government actions that have disrupted Iran’s attempts to undermine confidence in our democratic institutions, and Russia’s global malign influence campaigns and illicit cyber activities,” The Treasury Department said in a statement.

It added, “The United States continues to closely monitor efforts by malicious actors to influence or interfere in the integrity of our elections. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior.”
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Kyiv ends flow of Russian gas to Europe after denying transit agreement

January 2, 2025
Ukraine cut off access to a crucial Russian natural gas line running through the country and parts of Europe on Wednesday, Jan. 1. The move marks the end to more than 60 years of Moscow‘s control over European energy markets.

The gas kept flowing for the past three years despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, Kyiv expectedly declined to renew a transit agreement with Russia, ending access to the pipeline.

The last remaining European Union nations buying Russian gas through Ukraine, including Slovakia and Austria, will now lean on alternative energy supplies.

Hungary will continue to rely on Russian natural gas via Turkey through the TurkStream pipeline underneath the Black Sea. Other regions are not as fortunate.

Transnistria, a pro-Moscow region of Ukraine’s neighbor Moldova, relies on the Russian pipeline. Now, the region no longer has access to heat or hot water amid freezing temperatures. Only hospitals and critical infrastructure are being supplied with heat and hot water.

Electricity remains flowing for now, but the region’s main power plant already switched to coal. Authorities said there is only enough fuel supply left for 50 days.

Kyiv vowed to help Transnistria find alternative power supplies.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the end of the transit agreement was “one of Moscow’s biggest defeats,” calling on the United States to supply more gas to Europe. He added that it’s Europe’s “joint task” to support Moldova “in this period of energy transformation.”
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Hundreds of Ukrainian, Russian soldiers return home in largest prison swap

December 31, 2024
Russia and Ukraine carried out their 59th prisoner exchange since the full-scale invasion began, with 189 Ukrainians and 150 Russians released in a deal mediated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The exchange highlights one of the few direct avenues of relief in a conflict now approaching its third year. Thousands of captives remain on both sides.

Among the Ukrainians released were soldiers, border guards and civilians, some held captive since the early weeks of the invasion. The group included individuals captured in key battles, such as the Siege of Mariupol and the defense of Snake Island, symbols of Ukraine’s resilience.

Russia’s Defense Ministry stated that its freed troops were first transported to Belarus, where they received medical checkups and psychological evaluations before returning home. Russia’s human rights commissioner welcomed the soldiers, commending their endurance during captivity.

The UAE played a critical role in brokering the exchange, continuing its efforts as a neutral mediator in the conflict. Over the past year, Abu Dhabi has facilitated the release of more than 2,000 captives, leveraging established relationships to navigate strained ties between Moscow and Kyiv.

In the United States, the exchange coincided with President Joe Biden’s approval of $2.5 billion in additional military aid for Ukraine. However, uncertainty looms as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office in a few weeks. Trump has expressed a commitment to mediating an end to the war, but his administration’s potential policy shifts remain unclear.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov recently dismissed a peace proposal from Trump’s transition team.
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Kremlin’s Baltic Sea sabotage ship was reportedly loaded with spy gear

December 30, 2024
A Russian-linked tanker called the Eagle S, which is suspected of intentionally cutting Baltic Sea power and data cables, was also loaded with “spy equipment.” That’s what a source close to Finnish authorities, who seized the ship, told The Telegraph on Saturday, Dec. 28.

The Finnish coast guard crew that inspected the Cook Islands-registered vessel reportedly found evidence of equipment used to monitor NATO’s naval ships and aircraft.

According to the anonymous source, the ship was full of “huge portable suitcases” and “many laptops,” revealing the Eagle S dropped “sensor type devices” in the English Channel, and would unload the recording equipment once it reached Russia.

However, the anonymous source could not confirm if the recording equipment was still onboard when the Finnish coast guard seized the vessel.

The source did say that the Eagle S crew members would have been aware of Russian spying, but most likely kept quiet because of threats to their lives from Moscow. After the ship’s seizure, the Helsinki Police Department moved the Eagle S from the Gulf of Finland to a better location for a more thorough investigation.

NATO also announced it is increasing its presence in the region in response to the suspected Russian sabotage of Estlink-2 and other undersea cables recently.

Finland reportedly believes the Eagle S is part of a “shadow fleet” of old tankers being used to escape sanctions on Russian oil and now potentially spying.

The Kremlin denied it had anything to do with damage to any of the telecommunication lines in the Baltic Sea, and said Finland’s capture of the Eagle S is of little concern to Russia.
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Russian missile shoots down Ukrainian F-16 in Zaporizhzhia: Reports

December 27, 2024
Russian forces reportedly shot down a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet in the Zaporizhzhia region, according to Russian state media. Vladimir Rogov, a Kremlin-installed official in the area, claimed the jet was destroyed after launching a missile, though other reports suggest it was hit before preparing for an attack.

U.S. officials have not confirmed the incident but noted initial assessments indicate Russian air defenses may have been responsible.

This development followed Ukraine’s recent acquisition of F-16 jets from Western allies, including Denmark, the Netherlands and Belgium. The American-made aircraft is seen as a key addition to Ukraine’s defense capabilities against Russian aerial threats. Ukrainian pilots have undergone training in Europe and the United States to operate the advanced jets.

Russian companies introduced financial incentives for targeting Western military equipment. Sergei Shmotyev, director of the Russian company Fores, announced a bounty of 15 million rubles for successfully downing an F-16. When the bounty was announced, it was worth approximately $170,000; changes in exchange rates now value it at around $146,000.

Russian officials expressed strong opposition to the delivery of F-16s to Ukraine, labeling it a provocative move by NATO. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov previously described the deployment of these jets as a significant escalation in the conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the challenges associated with deploying F-16s, including delays in training and operational limitations, but emphasized their strategic importance.

Military analysts suggest the reported downing of an F-16 represents a symbolic win for Russia, highlighting the significance of targeting high-profile Western-supplied equipment. However, the effectiveness of Ukraine’s F-16 fleet in countering Russian air superiority remains uncertain as logistical and operational challenges persist.
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