Summary of the Day:
Russian Security Council Secretary Patrushev announced the Kremlin’s continued commitment to its original invasion goals, explicitly reaffirming Russia’s intention to destroy the Ukrainian state, remove the current government, demilitarize Ukraine, and permanently block NATO membership. In a significant diplomatic development, Kremlin officials are attempting to sideline European nations from peace negotiations, insisting that only direct Russia-US talks would be acceptable for resolving the conflict.
On the battlefield, Russian forces achieved advances in the Toretsk and Pokrovsk directions, while eyeing potential moves into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. However, military analysts suggest these potential advances into Dnipropetrovsk would serve primarily propaganda purposes rather than delivering significant operational advantages. Ukrainian forces mounted a robust response with a large-scale series of drone and missile strikes against Russian military and defense industrial targets.
In Moldova, the Kremlin appears to be orchestrating conditions for potential future aggression by exploiting an ongoing energy crisis. The situation is complicated by the pro-Russian breakaway republic of Transnistria’s refusal to accept assistance from either Ukraine or Moldova, as Ukrainian and Moldovan authorities work to resolve the gas crisis.
Russia continues to address its military personnel needs through enhanced financial incentives for contract service with the Ministry of Defense. Meanwhile, the country experienced a notable disruption to its internet infrastructure when the federal censor Roskomnadzor’s operation of the “Sovereign Internet” restriction systems caused a widespread but temporary outage.
Picture of the Day:
Screenshot from a video purporting to show a fire at a distillery in Novaya Lyada, Tambov Oblast, Russia. (Astra / Telegram)
Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War
In a serious international security development, the Biden administration warned Russian President Putin about suspected Russian intelligence plans to smuggle incendiary devices onto U.S.-bound cargo planes. The warning followed suspicious incidents in July 2024 when parcels ignited in warehouses in Germany and the U.K., potentially part of a broader plot targeting North America. U.S. intelligence intercepted Russian secret service discussions about the plan in August 2024, prompting back-channel warnings to multiple high-ranking Russian officials, including intelligence chiefs Naryshkin and Bortnikov. This threat to civilian aviation represents a significant escalation in international tensions and could severely impact global security and diplomatic relations. The incident occurs amid broader concerns about Russian disruption in Europe, where Moscow is reportedly behind 80% of foreign influence operations.
Russia’s cutoff of natural gas to the Russian-occupied region of Transnistria in Moldova has caused widespread impacts, leaving 1,500 high-rise buildings without heating and hot water, affecting 72,000 homes, and halting industrial activity in the region. While Moldova offered to help Transnistria purchase gas from European sources and Ukraine offered to provide coal, along with Moldova’s proposal for medical care, Transnistrian authorities rejected all assistance, hoping instead for resumed Russian deliveries.
In response to the crisis, Transnistrian President Vadim Krasnoselsky traveled to Moscow for energy talks, with his travel facilitated by Moldovan authorities. Meanwhile, Russian Presidential Aide Nikolai Patrushev attempted to blame Moldova for the crisis, claiming Russia must protect its “compatriots” from “discrimination” in Moldova. In a significant escalation, Patrushev threatened Moldova’s existence as a state, warning that Moldova’s “anti-Russian policy” could lead to its collapse or absorption by another state. Moldova’s Foreign Ministry strongly rejected these threats, reaffirming the country’s sovereignty and commitment to European integration.
Both Ukrainian President Zelensky and Moldovan Foreign Minister Popsoi suggest Russia is weaponizing this energy crisis to influence Moldova’s upcoming Summer 2024 parliamentary elections and destabilize the country’s economy. Analysts note that rather than leading to Transnistria’s reintegration with Moldova, Russia is likely using this crisis to help pro-Russian parties gain power. The situation is further complicated by the presence of Russian troops in Transnistria since the 1990s, and the rhetoric, combined with false allegations about Moldova’s gas debt, suggests Russia may be laying groundwork to justify potential future aggression against Moldova, using similar pretexts to those used before the Ukraine invasion.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will not travel to Kyiv to discuss Ukraine’s decision to halt Russian gas transit, despite President Zelensky’s invitation. The dispute has escalated tensions between the two countries, with Fico claiming Slovakia faces 500 million euros in annual losses. In response, Fico has threatened to cut electricity supplies to Ukraine during its blackouts from Russian attacks and limit aid to Ukrainian refugees. The situation highlights ongoing European dependency on Russian energy and its impact on regional relationships, particularly as Ukraine attempts to reduce Russia’s energy leverage while some EU countries, including Slovakia and Hungary, remain reliant on Russian gas supplies.
Slovakia’s opposition parties are seeking a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Robert Fico, citing concerns over his pro-Russian stance and domestic policies. Led by Progressive Slovakia’s Michal Simecka, opposition parties are alarmed by Fico’s recent Moscow visit and deteriorating relations with Ukraine, including threats to reduce Ukrainian refugee aid and halt electricity exports. This marks a dramatic shift from Slovakia’s previous position as a strong Ukraine supporter. The situation has sparked protests in Bratislava, with thousands of citizens demonstrating support for EU alignment. Fico’s pivot toward Russia and away from Western allies represents a concerning shift in Central European politics that could potentially destabilize NATO and EU unity in supporting Ukraine, impacting regional security and peace efforts.
Belarus announced that it has begun joint command-staff exercises with Russia as part of their Union State agreement, leading up to the larger “Zapad-2025” military exercises. The exercises, set to end January 16, will focus on determining deployment timing for their joint military forces. This continued military cooperation between Russia and Belarus could further increase tensions in Eastern Europe.
Australian officials are urgently investigating reports that Oscar Jenkins, a 32-year-old volunteer soldier from Melbourne, was executed while in Russian captivity in Ukraine. Jenkins, a biology teacher with no prior military experience who joined Ukraine’s International Legion, was captured in December near Kramatorsk. While his death remains unconfirmed, Australia’s Foreign Ministry has summoned the Russian ambassador seeking information. Russia’s alleged execution of POWs violates the Geneva Conventions and international law, though Moscow claims foreign volunteers are not protected under these agreements. If confirmed, Jenkins would be the first Australian volunteer fighter executed by Russia during the war, adding to the six Australians already killed fighting for Ukraine. This incident highlights Russia’s continued violation of international law and escalates diplomatic tensions between Russia and Australia.
Germany will deploy Patriot air defense systems and 200 soldiers to protect Poland’s Rzeszow-Jasionka airport by late January. The airport, located less than 100 kilometers from Ukraine’s border, is a crucial logistics hub handling over 90% of Western military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The airport, currently protected by Norwegian-operated NASAMS, also serves as a key transit point for foreign officials traveling to Kyiv. This deployment reinforces NATO’s commitment to protecting vital supply lines supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts.
Eight NATO countries bordering the Baltic Sea announced a joint defense plan to protect underwater infrastructure following suspected Russian sabotage of telecommunication and power cables. NATO will deploy up to 10 vessels until April under “Baltic Sentry” mission to monitor and protect critical undersea infrastructure. The initiative, led by Finland and Estonia, comes after recent sabotage incidents linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet.” The plan emphasizes robust response to threats and includes enhanced surveillance and rapid repair capabilities. This coordinated effort highlights growing security concerns in the Baltic region and NATO’s determination to counter Russian maritime threats. The initiative represents a significant step in protecting vital communication links and maintaining regional stability.
The Path to Peace
Russian Presidential Aide Nikolai Patrushev reaffirmed Russia’s original invasion goals for Ukraine, stating Russia won’t compromise on occupied territories including Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia, Kherson, and Crimea, which he claims were legitimized through referendums. He emphasized Russia’s unchanged objectives from Putin’s February 23, 2022 speech, including dismantling Ukraine’s government, demilitarizing the country, and preventing NATO membership. Russian Senator Dmitry Rogozin defined the goal of “denazification” as eliminating those who promote anti-Russian sentiment, while these demands align with Putin’s consistent position that Ukraine must give up its rights to self-governance, self-defense, and choice of international alliances.
Russian officials continue denying Ukraine’s separate identity and right to exist independently, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov referring dismissively to “the country that is now called Ukraine”, while Patrushev insisted on a “fraternal” connection between Russia and Ukraine. This follows Putin’s July 2021 essay claiming Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians are all part of one “Russian nation” – a narrative used to undermine Western support for Ukraine’s independence. Additionally, Kremlin officials are pushing to limit peace negotiations to only Russia and the United States, with Patrushev stating negotiations should be “without the participation of other Western countries” while Lavrov dismissed potential roles for European nations, particularly criticizing Germany and France’s past involvement in the Minsk agreements, reflecting Russia’s attempts to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and establish itself as equal to the US in global influence.
President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin shortly after his inauguration to discuss ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, with Putin reportedly willing to meet and Trump acknowledging the war’s toll on both sides. While Trump previously claimed he could end the war in 24 hours, he now estimates it could take up to six months, and his leaked peace proposal – including frozen front lines and delayed NATO membership for Ukraine – was rejected by Russia. European officials are expressing growing optimism following private discussions with Trump’s team, with sources indicating the president-elect may help Ukraine negotiate from a position of strength, particularly responding to arguments that a Russian victory could embolden China and mirror the U.S. setback in Afghanistan. Trump has indicated to European allies that he plans to continue supporting Ukraine while pushing them to increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
Russian forces are currently 7-7.5 kilometers from Dnipropetrovsk Oblast’s border near Novovasylivka and Novodarivka. While Russia may attempt to advance into this region, these potential gains would likely have limited military significance. However, the Kremlin could use any territorial advances to strengthen its negotiating position and claim rights to the entire Oblast. This aligns with Russia’s broader pattern, as seen in their current occupation of parts of Kharkiv Oblast and Mykolaiv Oblast’s Kinburn Spit.
Ukrainian strikes reportedly hit targets near port facilities and the AZMOL petrochemicals plant in occupied Berdyansk, according to local residents who heard explosions in the area.
Ukrainian Operations in the Russian Federation – Initiative Russia
Russian forces launched attacks in Ukraine’s Kursk Oblast focusing on the settlements of Nikolaevka and Makhovka near Sudzha, though no confirmed advances were made. North Korean troops were reported conducting large-scale infantry assaults in groups of 20-100 soldiers. Ukrainian forces mounted counterattacks near several locations including Sudzha, Nikolaevo-Darino, and Pogrebki, which reportedly slowed Russian advancement in the region.
Ukrainian military sources report the first confirmed engagements with North Korean troops in the Kursk region in January 2025, with Yuriy Bondar of Ukraine’s 80th airborne brigade noting their exceptional combat skills, particularly in shooting down drones with small arms and using soldiers as decoys for ambushes. These North Korean forces, described as highly trained and resilient fighters who rarely surrender, engage in mass attacks to find and exploit weak points in Ukrainian defenses and destroy their dead to prevent identification. Ukrainian forces have captured only three North Korean soldiers, with one dying from wounds and two taken to Kyiv for questioning, while South Korea plans to consult with Ukraine about possible defection of these captured soldiers, though neither has requested transfer despite South Korea’s constitution considering all Korean peninsula residents as citizens. According to South Korea’s intelligence service, North Korean forces supporting Russia have suffered significant casualties, with 300 killed and 2,700 wounded, with reports indicating some soldiers have been forced to commit suicide to avoid capture, fearing retaliation against their families.
Ukraine launched a massive, coordinated drone and missile strike operation deep inside Russia, hitting targets between 200 and 1,110 kilometers from the border across multiple regions. The strikes targeted military and industrial facilities in Bryansk, Saratov, Tula oblasts, and the Republic of Tatarstan. At Engels Air Base in Saratov Oblast, over 750 kilometers from Ukraine, Ukrainian forces struck the Kombinat Kristal oil facility and Saratov Oil Refinery which supply fuel to Russian strategic bombers, as well as warehouses containing glide bombs and cruise missiles at Engels-2 Air Base.
In Bryansk Oblast, Ukrainian forces conducted significant strikes on the Bryansk Chemical Plant in Seltso, which produces components for cruise missiles, artillery ammunition, and rocket systems, and the Kremniy El microelectronics plant in Bryansk City, which manufactures microelectronics for military systems including missiles and drones. Using a combination of drones to overwhelm Russian air defenses, Ukrainian forces reported destroying air defense systems and causing secondary explosions at the plant. While Russian officials initially claimed to have intercepted all attacks, they later acknowledged damage in Seltso. The Russian Defense Ministry reported the attack involved ATACMS missiles, Storm Shadow missiles, and multiple drones.
In the Republic of Tatarstan, Ukraine struck what was initially reported as the Kazanorgsintez Chemical Plant in Kazan, which produces military materials like synthetic rubber, plastics, and explosives. However, geolocated footage suggests the strike actually hit a Gazprom gas depot nearby, setting three fuel tanks on fire. Ukrainian forces also struck a Transneft facility in Almetyevsk, with local authorities confirming a drone strike caused a gas tank fire near Kazan.
In Tula Oblast, Ukrainian forces and the Security Service (SBU) targeted the Aleksinsky Chemical Plant, which produces polymer and composite materials, gunpowder, and ammunition. Debris reportedly fell on the chemical plant, the Aleksinskaya thermal power plant, and the Tulachermet metallurgical facility – a major global producer of pig iron crucial for Russia’s steel industry. The local governor claimed Russian forces shot down 16 drones, while in the entire Tula region, at least 17 drones were reportedly launched.
Additionally, a drone reportedly struck a distillery near a military training ground in Novaya Lyada, Tambov Oblast, causing a fire according to local residents. While Russian officials claim they intercepted the drone, they have not commented on the distillery incident. The extensive attacks caused Russia to temporarily restrict flights at several regional airports. While Ukrainian military authorities confirmed the operation, which was aimed at weakening Russia’s military-industrial complex and its capacity to wage war, Russia claimed to have shot down multiple drones and reported no casualties.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces conducted offensive operations near Vovchansk, northeast of Kharkiv City, but failed to make any confirmed advances.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Kupyansk
Russian forces continued attacks in the Kupyansk area without making advances. While Russian sources claimed to be within 1 kilometer of the P-79 Dvorichna-Kupyansk highway near Zapadne, independent assessments place them about 3.5 kilometers away. Russian forces conducted attacks near Dvorichna, Zapadne, and Tabaivka, with Chechen Akhmat special forces reportedly operating in the area.
Borova
Russian forces launched offensive operations in the Borova area without making confirmed advances. Attacks occurred in multiple locations: northeast of Borova (near Nova Kruhlyakivka, Lozova, Zeleny Hai, and Zahryzove); east of Borova (near Pershotravneve, Shyikivka, Raihorodka, and Kopanky); and southeast of Borova (near Novoserhiivka, Hrekivka, Makiivka, and Novoyehorivka).
Lyman
Russian forces attacked in the Lyman direction without confirmed advances. While Russian military officials claimed to have captured Terny (a settlement of about 30 people northeast of Lyman), this capture has not been independently confirmed. Russian forces continued attacks near Terny and Zarichne.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Siversk
Russian forces attacked multiple settlements near Siversk, including Bilohorivka and Hryhorivka (northeast), Verkhnokamyanske (east), and Ivano-Darivka and Vyimka (southeast), but failed to make any advances.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces attacked near Chasiv Yar, though claims of advances remain unconfirmed. While some Russian sources claimed progress at the central Refractory Plant and western parts of the city, these reports are disputed. Russian forces also conducted attacks around the nearby settlements of Predtechyne, Stupochky, Bila Hora, and Oleksandro-Shultyne.
Toretsk
Russian forces made a small advance in northern Toretsk confirmed by video evidence. While additional Russian claims of advances on the northwestern outskirts remain unverified, Russian forces continued attacks around Toretsk and the nearby settlements of Dyliivka, Krymske, and Shcherbynivka.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces advanced near Pokrovsk with confirmed progress to the southwestern outskirts of Zvirove and west of Novoyeliyzavetivka. Ukrainian forces reportedly launched counterattacks near Lysivka, Sukhyi Yar, Shevchenko, and Novovasylivka. Fighting continues around numerous settlements near Pokrovsk, with Russian forces conducting small-group infantry assaults rather than mechanized attacks. Ukrainian officials report that Russian soldiers are maintaining wider spacing between troops, likely to reduce vulnerability to drone strikes. Russian forces appear to be attempting to eliminate the Ukrainian salient between Toretsk and Pokrovsk.
Russian forces are attempting to isolate Pokrovsk, a key eastern Ukrainian city, by targeting the vital E50 highway that connects it to Dnipro rather than attacking the city directly. According to Ukrainian military spokesperson Maj. Viktor Trehubov, while Russian forces have made slow advances in the area since December, they haven’t yet reached the highway. As of January 13, Russian troops were approximately 5 kilometers south of the E50 highway and have established positions along parts of the T0406 country road between Udachne and Kotlyne. President Zelensky has described the fighting near Pokrovsk as the “most intense” along the front.
Kurakhove Region
Russian forces attacked in the Kurakhove area with reported advances toward Slovyanka and Andriivka, though these gains remain unconfirmed. Fighting continued around Kurakhove and nearby settlements including Petropavlivka, Dachne, Ulakly, Kostiantynopil, Rozlyv, and Yantarne.
Velyka Novosilka
Russian forces attacked around Velyka Novosilka with Russian sources claiming to have captured Neskuchne and reached the southern outskirts of Vremivka, though these claims remain unverified. Fighting continued near Velyka Novosilka and the surrounding settlements of Novyi Komar, Rozdolne, Neskuchne, and Vremivka.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces engaged in limited combat in western Zaporizhia Oblast on January targeting areas near Novodanylivka, north of Robotyne, though no changes to the frontline were confirmed.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces continued attacking in the Dnipro River area and its delta islands with no confirmed advances.
Ukraine News
Russia launched a major drone assault on Ukraine, deploying 80 Shahed and other drones from multiple locations including Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, and the Oryol and Kursk regions. Ukrainian forces intercepted 58 drones across eleven oblasts, while 21 decoy drones were disrupted by electronic warfare. Drone debris damaged civilian structures and vehicles in Sumy, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Kharkiv, and Cherkasy regions. Direct strikes hit a residential building in Chuhuiv and commercial buildings in Cherkasy Oblast.
Ukraine’s largest steel producer, Metinvest, suspended operations at its Pokrovsk coking coal mine in Donetsk Oblast due to security threats and power disruptions. As Eastern Europe’s largest coking coal mine and Ukraine’s only producer of this essential steelmaking component, its closure significantly impacts Ukraine’s steel industry, the country’s second-largest export sector. While evacuating employees and families, Metinvest has implemented contingency plans, including sourcing coal from U.S. suppliers and using existing reserves. Located 10 kilometers west of Pokrovsk, a vital Ukrainian military logistics hub, the mine’s shutdown amid intense Russian offensive operations could reduce Ukraine’s projected steel production from 7.5 million tons to 2-3 million tons, severely impacting the nation’s export economy.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours: (Russian War Crimes)
DEATHS: 2 INJURIES: 19
Russia’s attacks in Donetsk Oblast killed two people and injured two others.
Russian military forces attacked the city of Kherson and 33 other settlements in the region, resulting in nine people being injured.
A Russian attack in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast injured three people, including a 14-year-old girl. Two adults were hospitalized with moderate injuries.
Russian attacks in Kharkiv Oblast injured five people, including two infants.
The aftermath of Russian attacks in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine. (Governor Vadym Filashkin/Telegram)
Ukraine Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Ukraine will transfer over 5,000 Air Force personnel to Ground Forces units in early 2025 to address critical infantry shortages along the front lines with transfers ordered by Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi on January 11 having already reduced Air Force unit staffing to 50%, with further reductions to 40% expected. While Ukraine’s General Staff denies transferring technical specialists and aviation personnel, particularly those in specialized roles or trained on foreign equipment, they confirmed some Air Force members are being reassigned to ground brigades after training. President Zelensky has addressed these concerns by instructing Air Force Commander Anatolii Kryvonozhko to maintain essential staffing levels and preserve critical specialists, with the General Staff clarifying that engineering and aviation specialists will remain in their roles while the transfers focus on non-specialist personnel.
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine’s priority is properly equipping its existing military forces rather than lowering the draft age. While U.S. lawmakers and NATO allies have urged Ukraine to reduce the draft age from 25 to 18 to address manpower shortages, Ukrainian officials cite equipment shortages and economic concerns as reasons for resistance. Under martial law, men 18-60 cannot leave Ukraine, but only those 25 and older are eligible for the draft.
Ukraine’s Allies
In his final State Department address before leaving office on January 20, 2025, President Biden defended his Ukraine policy and urged continued support under the incoming Trump administration. Biden claimed success in uniting global support for Ukraine while avoiding direct conflict between nuclear powers.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged allies to increase defense spending beyond the current 2% of GDP target, humorously suggesting members would need to “learn Russian or move to New Zealand” if they don’t boost military investments. While specific new targets weren’t announced, European NATO ministers are discussing a gradual increase to 3% by 2030. Currently, 24 NATO members meet the 2% threshold, with Poland (4.12%), Estonia (3.43%), and the U.S. (3.38%) leading in defense spending. President-elect Trump has proposed an ambitious 5% target.
The U.S. and U.K. imposed new sanctions targeting Russia’s oil industry, causing 65 oil tankers worldwide to pause operations, including vessels near China, Singapore, the Baltic Sea, and Russia’s Far East. The sanctions target Russia’s “shadow fleet” of over 180 aging tankers used for sanctions evasion, as well as major producers Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, which together produce over 1 million barrels of oil daily and generate $23 billion annually. The restrictions have increased demand for non-sanctioned vessels and impacted global oil transportation. This development represents a significant escalation in economic pressure on Russia’s energy sector, potentially affecting global oil markets and international trade relationships.
Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius visited Kyiv to discuss a proposed 3-billion-euro aid package and defense industry cooperation with Ukraine, denying earlier reports that Chancellor Scholz had blocked additional aid, while affirming Germany’s continued support despite its 2025 budget being halved from 2024’s 8 billion euros. The visit, which included a prior meeting in Warsaw with defense ministers from Poland, France, Italy, and the UK, comes as Germany approaches snap elections on February 23, where polls show Chancellor Scholz’s leadership may be challenged by the CDU/CSU opposition alliance.
These five major European NATO members – dubbed the “E5” – met with Ukrainian Defense Minister Umerov in Brussels to discuss increased military cooperation, planning joint exercises that may proceed without traditional US involvement in anticipation of potential changes in US support under Trump. Polish Deputy PM Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that 2025 must focus on expanding European military industrial capacity, while Ukrainian President Zelensky and French President Macron discussed France’s continued support, security guarantees, Ukraine’s military progress in Kursk, and France’s proposal to deploy troops in Ukraine, with German opposition security spokesman Roderich Kiesewetter supporting German participation in any such peacekeeping mission as European NATO leaders consider this possibility in the context of potential pressure from incoming President Trump for a quick ceasefire.
Russia News
A Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) counterintelligence officer, Vladimir Feshchenko, was found dead in a Russian Defense Ministry building in Moscow, with preliminary reports suggesting murder. The body was discovered at a facility on Olkhovskaya Street that houses both the Defense Ministry and FSB offices. Feshchenko was allegedly killed during a conflict with a former colleague from the Far East, who has been detained and confessed.
Russian War Losses (Today/Total)
Troops +1580
812670 |
Tanks +13
9780 |
Artillery +52
21975 |
Arm. Veh. +22
20348 |
Aircraft 
369 |
Heli
331 |
Ships
28 |
Russia Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Russia is intensifying military recruitment by offering substantial financial incentives across its regions. At least 12 Russian regions have increased one-time signing bonuses for military service contracts. Over 60% of Russian regions now offer bonuses exceeding 1 million rubles ($9,670), with 25% offering more than 2 million rubles ($19,350). Samara Oblast is offering the highest bonus of 4 million rubles ($38,690) through February 1. In Saratov Oblast, officials are reportedly offering debt relief to individuals who sign military contracts.
Russian State Duma Chairperson Vyacheslav Volodin announced that the Duma will immediately review legislation to grant combat veteran status to those who fought in Kursk Oblast. This follows President Putin’s December 2024 promise to address this classification issue, though no law has been passed yet. The draft law is expected to receive Putin’s approval.
Former Roscosmos head and current Zaporizhia Oblast occupation senator Dmitry Rogozin reported that his BARS-Sarmat Detachment has reached 50% recruitment capacity, with 30-40 new volunteers joining weekly. While acknowledging that Russia’s defense industrial base has adapted to military needs, he criticized ongoing bureaucratic delays as “unacceptable.”
Ukrainian intelligence (HUR) has released an intercepted phone call revealing that a Russian postal worker named Dima Fomenko died by suicide in Grayvoron, Belgorod region, after being ordered to join combat operations in Ukraine following his leave. This incident reflects growing discord within Russian forces, with other intercepted communications showing soldiers seeking ways to avoid front-line deployment. Examples include a battalion reportedly refusing orders by hiding in a forest and other soldiers complaining about not receiving leave for nearly two years. The report mentions Alexander Shpilevoy, who called for military rotation in December 2023 and was subsequently detained in Luhansk. While Russia claims these intercepted calls are fake, Ukrainian intelligence maintains their authenticity.
Controlling the Narrative and Russian Propaganda
Russia experienced widespread internet disruption when its federal censor Roskomnadzor’s “Sovereign Internet” system malfunctioned. The outage affected major Russian internet domains and online services across all Russian telecommunications companies. The problem was linked to the government’s technical system (TSPU) used to block Russians from accessing restricted websites and services.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com