Correction: Our previous headline “U.S. Violates Treaty with Ukraine and Halts Military Aid” was incorrect. The U.S. has only temporarily frozen humanitarian aid to Ukraine for 90 days, while military assistance continues unchanged. The U.S.-Ukraine treaty does not include obligations for humanitarian assistance.
Summary of the Day:
Ukrainian and Moldovan diplomatic cooperation continued as Presidents Zelensky and Sandu met in Kyiv to address Transnistria’s ongoing energy crisis. The meeting underscores both nations’ commitment to finding regional solutions despite ongoing security challenges.
On the military front, Russian forces achieved notable advances in the Donetsk region, pressing forward near Toretsk, Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Velyka Novosilka. These gains represent significant movement along multiple axes of advance in the region.
In administrative developments, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced a streamlining of benefits processing, allowing veterans of volunteer formations to receive combat veteran status automatically without formal applications. This change appears designed to boost recruitment and morale among volunteer units.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin has intensified its information operations in Iraq through the prominent Rybar Telegram channel, indicating continued efforts to expand Russian influence in the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Picture of the Day:
54-year-old surgeon Yuri Kuznetsov, who was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine, shows the amputation he suffered from a landmine in Izium. (Wolfgang Schwan/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War
During a meeting in Kyiv, Presidents Zelensky and Sandu discussed solutions to Transnistria’s energy crisis, which began when Gazprom cut off Russian gas supplies on January 1 over claimed unpaid debts, leaving the breakaway region with a $10 billion debt after previously receiving free gas as part of Russia’s political control strategy. Ukraine offered to provide coal at minimal or no cost in exchange for electricity and proposed technical assistance to increase the Cuciurgan power station’s capacity from 220 megawatts to 2 gigawatts, which could reduce Moldova’s electricity costs by 30%; however, Transnistrian authorities rejected these offers, preferring to rely on Russian gas for basic domestic needs. The situation has broader regional implications, as Russia appears to be using the energy crisis to influence Moldovan public opinion ahead of the Summer 2025 parliamentary elections, maintain its influence over Transnistria, interfere in Moldova’s EU referendum, and promote anti-EU narratives, ultimately threatening stability in Europe and potentially influencing Transnistria’s future status within Moldova.
The Kremlin is expanding its influence in Iraq through the prominent Rybar Telegram channel. The channel reported that its team, including founder Mikhail Zvinchuk, met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia Al Sudani and other officials last week. Iraqi leaders expressed interest in increasing trade and investment with Russia. This follows a previous visit by Rybar team members in August 2024. The timing is significant as Russia may be positioning itself to replace the US as Iraq’s security partner, particularly given recent changes in Syria with the fall of the Assad regime. This development could impact regional stability and US influence in the Middle East.
Belarus’s largest internet provider announced that authorities are restricting internet access during the presidential election from January 25-27, citing security threats. Users report problems with VPN services, suggesting attempts to limit information flow during this critical political period. This move raises concerns about electoral transparency and democratic freedoms in Belarus.
Mass protests erupted across 30 Slovak cities, with approximately 100,000 people demonstrating against Prime Minister Robert Fico’s pro-Russian policies and his recent meeting with Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The largest gathering saw 60,000 protesters in Bratislava’s Freedom Square, rallying under the slogan “Slovakia is Europe.” This political crisis highlights growing tensions between pro-Western and pro-Russian factions within the European Union, potentially affecting regional stability and European unity in supporting Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelensky voiced support for the protesters, prompting criticism from Fico who accused him of interfering in Slovakia’s internal affairs. The situation underscores the deepening divide in European politics over support for Ukraine and relations with Russia.
The Path to Peace
During discussions about potential peace negotiations, President Zelensky emphasized that while former US President Trump offered to meet Putin “immediately” and Putin expressed willingness to hold talks with Trump, praising him as “smart” and “pragmatic,” any peace talks must include Ukraine alongside the United States, EU, and Russia to achieve meaningful results rather than just political outcomes. Zelensky warned that Putin seeks to “manipulate” Trump and world leaders, expressing doubt about Putin’s genuine willingness to end the conflict as Russia appears determined to continue fighting despite Ukraine’s desire for peace; although Trump has promised to resolve the war quickly if re-elected, Zelensky stressed that negotiations excluding Kyiv would not lead to lasting peace, particularly as Ukraine pursues EU membership.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
Russian military bloggers are criticizing Russia’s drone warfare capabilities in Ukraine. They claim Russia lacks enough drones and trained operators to counter Ukraine’s superior drone numbers. A former Storm-Z instructor urged the military to focus on targeting Ukrainian reconnaissance drones rather than infantry, while criticizing leadership for not addressing these shortcomings.
Ukrainian Operations in the Russian Federation – Initiative Russia
Russian forces attacked several areas in Ukraine’s Kursk Oblast focusing on the regions around Sudzha. While Russian military bloggers claimed advances near Nikolayevo-Darino, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye, and Sudzha, these claims remain unconfirmed. Russian forces also conducted attacks near Kurilovka, while Ukrainian forces reportedly launched a counterattack near Pogrebki.
A second drone strike reportedly hit Russia’s Ryazan Oil Refinery. The refinery, located 500 kilometers from Ukraine’s border, is one of Russia’s largest with a capacity to process 17 million metric tons of oil annually. The facility is considered a legitimate military target by Ukraine as it produces fuel for Russian military equipment and vehicles. The January 24 attack by Ukraine’s Security Service and Special Operations Forces reportedly damaged at least three oil depots and a workshop. The latest strike’s impact remains unconfirmed, though local sources reported explosions and Russian officials acknowledged air defense activity in the region.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces attacked near Vovchansk and Tykhe, northeast of Kharkiv City, but failed to advance. Ukrainian forces successfully repelled an armored attack near Tykhe, destroying four Russian vehicles. Ukrainian officials report that Russian reconnaissance groups are probing for weaknesses in Ukrainian defenses.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Kupyansk
Russian forces are attempting to encircle Kupyansk and Kupyansk-Vuzlovyi from multiple directions. Russian units are trying to expand their position near Dvorichna, north of Kupyansk, and are attacking near Kotlyarivka to the east. Russian forces continued attacks near Dvorichna, Hlushkivka, Petropavlivka, and Pishchane, though claims of Russian advances near Zapadne remain unconfirmed. Ukrainian analysts suggest Russia may redeploy additional forces from the Vovchansk area to strengthen their offensive around Kupyansk.
Borova
Russian forces continued attacks in the Borova area without confirmed advances, despite claims of a 400-meter advance near Zahryzove. Russian forces are heavily targeting Kopanky with infantry attacks. Ukrainian officials report that Russian army units in this region are at 80% strength. Russian forces launched multiple attacks north, northeast, east, and southeast of Borova, including near Nova Kruhlyakivka, Lozova, Zelenyi Hai, Kopanky, Pershotravneve, Novoserhiivka, Tverdokhlibove, Novoyehorivka, Hrekivka, and Makiivka. Ukrainian forces reportedly launched counterattacks near Zahryzove and Zelenyi Hai.
Lyman
Russian forces attacked near Novolyubivka, Torske, and toward Zelena Dolyna, northeast of Lyman, but failed to make any advances.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Siversk
Russian forces attacked near Vasyukivka, southwest of Siversk, but failed to make any advances.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces attacked Chasiv Yar but failed to make confirmed advances. During foggy weather that limited Ukrainian drone operations, Russian forces conducted assaults near Chasiv Yar and surrounding areas including Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Novomarkove, Markove, Predtechyne, Stupochky, and Bila Hora. Ukrainian forces reported destroying multiple Russian military vehicles in the area, including eight airborne infantry fighting vehicles.
Toretsk
Russian forces advanced in northern Toretsk along Mykhaila Hrushevskoho and Pyrohova streets. Russian sources claimed additional gains near Krymske, the Toretska mine, Niu York, Leonidivka, and Shcherbynivka, though these claims remain unconfirmed. Russian forces continued attacks in and around Toretsk, including near Krymske, Dyliivka, Leonidivka, and Shcherbynivka.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces advanced east of Sukhyi Yar near Pokrovsk. Russian sources claimed advances near multiple settlements including Novoandriivka, Nadiivka, Novooleksandrivka, Uspenivka, Udachne, Novoyeliyzavetivka, Vozdvyzhenka, Baranivka, Kotlyne, Zelene Pole, and Yelyzavetivka, though these claims remain unconfirmed. Fighting continued across a broad area around Pokrovsk, with Russian forces reportedly operating in small assault groups under drone cover and fog conditions. Ukrainian forces maintain positions in several settlements including Kotlyne, Lysivka, and parts of Yelyzavetivka, while the area near the T-0504 highway junction east of Malynivka remains contested.
Kurakhove Region
Russian forces made marginal advances near Kurakhove, specifically east and south of Slovyanka and reaching the northeastern outskirts of Andriivka. Russian sources claimed advances into northeastern Dachne and near Sukhi Yaly, though these claims are unconfirmed. Fighting continued around several settlements including Shevchenko, Andriivka, Yantarne, Kostiantynopolske, Dachne, Kostiantynopil, and Ulakly.
Velyka Novosilka
Russian forces advanced in Velyka Novosilka reaching Zarichna Street in the northeastern part of the settlement and capturing fields to the north and northeast. Geolocated footage shows Russian forces have seized approximately 72 percent of Velyka Novosilka, though Ukrainian sources claim Russian forces are manipulating footage to exaggerate their control. Fighting continues near Velyka Novosilka itself and in nearby areas including Novodarivka and Novosilka.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces conducted ground attacks in western Zaporizhia Oblast targeting areas near Robotyne, specifically around Mala Tokmachka and Novodanylivka. Despite these attacks, they failed to make any confirmed advances.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces launched attacks in the Kherson area targeting Zabych and Kozatskyi islands in the Dnipro River Delta near Kherson City. Despite these assaults, they made no advances.
Ukraine News
Russia launched a major aerial attack against Ukraine, using 2 cruise missiles and 61 drones, including Shahed drones and decoys, launched from various Russian regions. Ukrainian forces intercepted 48 weapons (2 missiles and 46 drones), while 15 decoy drones were disrupted by electronic warfare. The attacks damaged buildings in Kyiv, Cherkasy, and Khmelnytskyi regions, as well as energy infrastructure in Cherkasy and buildings in Kharkiv. President Zelensky noted that Russia used domestically-produced Shahed drones in an earlier attack on January 23-24.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has suspended several immigration programs, including Uniting for Ukraine (U4U), which helped Ukrainians find temporary settlement in America with financial sponsors. The suspension, reported by the New York Times, is part of President Trump’s broader immigration policy that aims to launch extensive deportations and restrict entry from countries including Ukraine, Cuba, Haiti, and Venezuela. The administration plans to review these programs for potential termination and is preparing for immigration raids in major U.S. cities. This policy shift could impact international humanitarian efforts and relationships with allies, particularly regarding support for Ukraine during its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Ukraine has offered to help transport Azerbaijani gas to Europe, following its refusal to continue transiting Russian gas. President Zelensky announced this plan after meeting with Azerbaijan’s President Aliyev, noting Azerbaijan can export up to 25 billion cubic meters of gas. This development comes amid tensions with Hungary and Slovakia, who are unhappy with Ukraine’s decision to stop Russian gas transit. Hungarian Prime Minister Orban has threatened to veto EU sanctions on Russia unless Ukraine reopens Russian gas transit. The situation could impact European unity and energy security, particularly affecting Moldova’s breakaway region of Transnistria, which has also lost Russian gas supplies. The issue will be discussed at an upcoming EU diplomatic meeting on January 27.
Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov sparked controversy by attempting to dismiss Maryna Bezrukova, head of the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA), despite the agency’s supervisory board voting unanimously to extend her contract. The DPA, established in 2022 to ensure transparent defense procurement, maintains that Umerov’s decision is invalid according to Ukrainian law. Anastasia Radina, head of parliament’s anti-corruption committee, has called for Umerov’s resignation, arguing his actions undermine defense procurement reform and could jeopardize Western military aid. The Anti-Corruption Action Center has filed a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Bureau to investigate Umerov for potential abuse of power.
Donetsk Oblast authorities have ordered mandatory evacuations of families with children from over 20 settlements due to intensified Russian shelling. The order affects more than 100 children in the Komar and Kryvorizhzhia communities, which are close to the embattled city of Pokrovsk.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours: (Russian War Crimes)
DEATHS: 0 INJURIES: 10
Russian forces attacked 38 settlements in Kherson Oblast, including the city of Kherson, injuring five people.
Russian FPV drone attacks in Sumy Oblast injured four people – three in the Myropillia community and one woman in the Hlukhiv community.
Russian strikes on the town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast wounded one person.
Russian forces launched drone attacks on three districts of Kharkiv – Shevchenkivskyi, Kyivskyi, and Kholodnohirskyi. Three people required medical attention for stress reactions, and a Molniya drone strike caused a fire in the Shevchenkivskyi district. The attacks temporarily disrupted water and electricity services.
Russian drone strikes on critical infrastructure in Cherkasy Oblast have caused partial power outages in the regional center. Local authorities are evaluating the damage.
Ukraine’s Allies
A 90-day foreign aid freeze ordered by Secretary of State Marco Rubio has prompted U.S. diplomats to seek urgent exemptions for Ukraine-related programs. While military assistance to Ukraine ($65.9 billion since 2022) remains unaffected, other aid programs valued at over $70 billion are now paused. USAID operations in Ukraine have begun receiving “stop work” orders, though the State Department has requested a waiver citing national security concerns. Unlike programs for Israel, Egypt, and emergency food aid, Ukraine currently has no exemptions for non-military assistance. President Zelensky confirmed that U.S. military aid continues uninterrupted.
The U.S. government is considering using frozen Russian assets to purchase American weapons for Ukraine, according to Keith Kellogg, U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace envoy for Ukraine and Russia. The proposal, first suggested by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Trump, would use part of the $300 billion in frozen Russian assets, of which only $3.2 billion in annual income is currently accessible. This income is already helping to fund a $50 billion G7 loan package to Ukraine, with the EU contributing €20 billion and the U.S. contributing $20 billion.
Russian War Losses (Today/Total)
Troops +1650
828470 |
Tanks +7
9859 |
Artillery +14
22309 |
Arm. Veh. +37
20545 |
Aircraft 
369 |
Heli
331 |
Ships
28 |
Russia Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
The Russian Defense Ministry announced that veterans who served in volunteer units supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine can now receive combat veteran status automatically, without having to apply themselves. Their units will handle the paperwork instead.
Kalashnikov Concern plans to showcase its new “Kub-2-E” combat drone at Abu Dhabi’s IDEX-2025 exhibition in February. The drone will launch from armored vehicles and is designed to target lightly armored equipment, air defenses, and helicopter bases.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com