Tonight in “Yeesh, this guy:”
⚡️Serbian president offers to host Trump-Putin meeting in Belgrade.
“There is no country that can compare to Serbia in terms of the level of support for President Trump. … And on the other hand, it is a country where President Putin is still very, very popular.”
— The Kyiv Independent (@kyivindependent.com) January 12, 2025 at 4:10 PM
From The Kyiv Independent:
Serbia will officially offer to host the upcoming meeting between U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said in a television broadcast on Jan. 12.
Trump announced on Jan. 9 that plans for a meeting with Putin were already underway, but no concrete details have been made public.
Belgrade is ready to host the future meeting and can guarantee appropriate security for both leaders, Vucic told the Serbian Broadcasting Corporation (RTS).
“(Serbia) is the country where President Trump had the greatest support in all of Europe,” Vucic said.
“There is no country that can compare to Serbia in terms of the level of support for President Trump. … And on the other hand, it is a country where President Putin is still very, very popular. So, I think that this is a place on the globe that would be extremely suitable for both of them.”
Serbia is well-suited to host Trump and Putin because it is not a member of any military alliances, such as NATO, Vucic said.
Serbia maintains a friendly attitude toward Russia and has refused to join international sanctions against Moscow in the wake of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. At the same time, Vucic has called Ukraine a “friendly country” and previously affirmed that Crimea and Donbas are Ukrainian sovereign territories.
Switzerland has also put itself forward as a potential site for the Trump-Putin talks. Nicolas Bideau, head of communications at the Swiss Foreign Ministry, told Swiss media on Jan. 12 that Switzerland had already communicated its willingness to host the meeting.
The framework of the upcoming meeting is still being determined, incoming U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said on Jan. 12. A phone call between Trump and Putin to work out the details is expected “in the coming days and weeks.”
The Kremlin has said a face-to-face meeting between the two leaders will have to wait until after Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20.
Shoe polish and leather, it’s what’s for dinner in the presidential residence in Belgrade.
Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.
Ukrainians Can Help Americans Protect Lives; We Already Have 150 Firefighters Prepared – Address by the President
12 January 2025 – 21:48
I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!
Today’s update.
First of all, a detailed report from Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi on our actions at the front. I want to commend all our warriors who are steadfastly holding their positions and destroying the invader. In particular, I’d like to highlight the warriors of the 68th Separate Jaeger Brigade and the 25th Separate Airborne Brigade for their battles in the Pokrovsk direction, which is currently the most intense. I also thank the guys of the 82nd and 95th Air Assault Brigades for their actions in the Kursk region.
The Security Service of Ukraine continues to work with prisoners of war from North Korea. One of them has expressed a desire to stay in Ukraine. The second one wants to return to Korea. If Kim Jong Un even remembers these citizens of his and is capable of organizing an exchange for our warriors being held in Russia, we are ready to transfer such soldiers. Undoubtedly, there will be more POWs from North Korea. I am grateful to all our units that are contributing to Ukraine’s exchange fund.
Next.
Today, I instructed Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs and our diplomats to prepare for the possible participation of our rescuers in combating the wildfires in California. The situation there is extremely challenging, and Ukrainians can help Americans protect lives. This matter is being worked out, and through appropriate channels, we have offered our assistance to the American side. We already have 150 firefighters prepared.
And regarding Moldova.
This week, I had a conversation with Moldovan President Maia Sandu. We discussed how to address the humanitarian crisis in Transnistria. Due to deliberate actions by Russia, there is an energy resource vacuum there. People are suffering. This is a calculated move by Russia to undermine public sentiment in Moldova ahead of the elections. Ukraine can help with coal supplies. However, we haven’t yet seen a response from those who effectively control the situation on the left bank of the Dniester River. If they are playing into Russia’s hands, that’s one thing; it’s entirely different if they genuinely want to help the people of Transnistria. On our part, we are ready.
Glory to Ukraine!
Germany:
🗿 German foreign minister insists that Germany should provide Ukraine with more weapons than planned
— Ukrainska Pravda 🇺🇦 (@pravda.ua) January 12, 2025 at 3:28 PM
From Ukrainska Pravda:
Annalena Baerbock, German Foreign Minister and co-leader of the Greens, insists that Berlin should provide Ukraine with more military aid than currently planned in the budget.
Source: Spiegel, as reported by European Pravda
Details: The foreign minister made such comments while speaking to the media in Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of a meeting on the future of Syria.
When asked by Spiegel about Chancellor Scholz’s alleged blocking of an additional aid package for Ukraine, Baerbock said that if the aid isn’t provided, Ukraine “will be less able to defend itself and therefore less able to defend us”. She added that providing Ukraine with assistance would be the best contribution to the security of Europe and Germany itself.
Previously:
- Earlier, Spiegel had unofficially learned that there was a dispute within the German government over an additional arms package for Ukraine worth about €3 billion. The package was put together by Baerbock and Defence Minister Boris Pistorius based on Ukraine’s urgent requests.
- However, Chancellor Olaf Scholz opposed it, saying that the amount of ear-marked aid was sufficient and that Kyiv could buy weapons with funds allocated through a joint G7 loan, and that it would be unfair to make such promises right before the formation of the new German government after the early elections in February. Some Social Democratic Party members share this opinion.
- According to the latest media reports, negotiations on additional weapons supplies were allegedly constructive until Christmas, and then the chancellor abruptly changed his mind. The dispute is attributed to the political considerations of the parties before the early parliamentary elections.
Georgia:
Day 46. Tension since yesterday as the regime woke up from the holidays. Arrests & scuffles continue in Batumi and Babilo restaurant in Tbilisi (judicial banquet). At the Parliament, we chant “no justice, no peace” and “fire to the oligarchy!” #GeorgiaProtests
📷 Gio Burjanadze— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 12, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Family members and descendants of #SovietRepression victims marched on Rustaveli Avenue in #Tbilisi with the slogan “No to Repressions” on the 46th day of #GeorgiaProtests.
— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) January 12, 2025 at 11:30 AM
A water cannon was spotted near restaurant Babilo where the judicial corporate banquet is. With individuals exiting getting egged and confronted by protesters, the remaining majority of regime pillars need to go home at some point, right? #GeorgiaProtests #terrorinGeorgia
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 12, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Freezing. Sanctions. Now.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 12, 2025 at 2:41 PM
January 12 – #Tbilisi
🔻 Police began detaining citizens near the Babilo restaurant, where a corporate party for judges was being held, as protesters gathered outside to demand the release of those unjustly detained.
📣”Unjust Judges, Unjust Georgia” – a slogan frequently heard there.
#GeorgiaProtests— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) January 12, 2025 at 12:15 PM
January 12 – #Tbilisi
🔻 Police have arrested several more protesters near the judges’ corporate party.
#GeorgiaProtests— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) January 12, 2025 at 1:38 PM
⭕ After at least 7 protesters were arrested at the #Batumi rally, the remaining demonstrators marched to the pre-trial detention center before continuing through the city streets.
#GeorgiaProtests
#RepressionInGeorgia
#TerrorInGeorgia— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) January 12, 2025 at 3:11 PM
🔻Special Tasks Department employees insulted citizens outside the “Babilo” restaurant, in #Tbilisi, where judges had gathered for a corporate party. Outside the restaurant, the protest was taking place. Several people are arrested.
🔻The judges have since left.
#GeorgiaProtests— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) January 12, 2025 at 3:58 PM
We now blame Lithuanians for spit in the food of the judicial clan 🤡
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 12, 2025 at 4:41 PM
⭕ Mzia Amaglobeli, founder and director of @netgazeti.org has been detained under Article 353^1 of the Criminal Code — assault on a police officer.
The charge carries a sentence of 4 to 7 years in prison.
#GeorgiaProtests
#terrorinGeorgia— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) January 11, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Journalists protested outside the govt building in #Tbilisi, displaying posters similar to those used by #Batumi protesters last night leading to repressive arrests. This was to show solidarity with Mzia Amaghlobeli, who was arrested for the same act first & then on criminal charge.
#GeorgiaProtests— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) January 12, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Elene Khoshtaria, one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change, has been released. They will probably fine her. Likely, they’ll state that she was released soon since she’s officially still an MP – the illegitimate Parliament protracts approving her request to have her mandate invalidated.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 12, 2025 at 4:18 PM
The bitter irony is that the Georgian Dream came to power with the mandate to be more humane and to ameliorate the judiciary. Yet, they just incorporated and kept feeding the exact same individual judges and violent policemen as under the UNM rule. 1/2
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 12, 2025 at 1:43 PM
They say they’ll ban the UNM (and by UNM they mean the entire opposition) for past crimes but employ the same criminals, and justify their crimes with their total propaganda. 2/2.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 12, 2025 at 1:43 PM
The fact that all these rotten pillars know that they won’t be able to switch allegiances and be accepted by the new Georgia is precisely one of the key reasons why this transition is more painful than any before.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 12, 2025 at 1:56 PM
From today on, the judicial rot in Georgia knows that people want them all sacked. Thus, they have two options: support the people while they still can, or double down on repressions. I don’t have illusions that they’ll switch sides, because they cannot afford it, they are too deep in the dirt, 1/2
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 12, 2025 at 4:28 PM
and the system will be blackmailing them too. Thus, the zero-sum game of this public vs regime clash goes a level deeper. Forcing the judges to obey despite public anger & incoming sanctions might be one of the reasons this banquet was held in the first place. #terrorinGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests 2/2.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 12, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Back to Ukraine.
Life imitates art:
Owl intercepts Russian drone. Video published by Russians.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) January 12, 2025 at 12:47 PM
This is the crest of the Ukrainian Main Directorate of Intelligence/the HUR; LTG Budanov, proprietor.
The owl affronte in flight and holding an unsheathed sword in its talons is the symbol for the HUR. The bat is the symbol for its opposite number, the Russian GRU. LTG Budanov has a painting of an owl affronte in flight with a bat in its talons hanging over his desk.
The Kursk cross border offensive:
Ukrainian serviceman Volodymyr Demchenko x.com/brokenpixelua shares an intriguing perspective on North Korean fighters. According to Demchenko, they are formidable warriors with no fear of death, making them exceptionally difficult to capture…
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) January 12, 2025 at 5:37 PM
He expresses concern about the potential consequences if they bring this combat experience back to North Korea, noting their genuine hostility toward the West, solid tactics, and relentless approach to battle. You can find more from Demchenko on Twitter.
bsky.app/profile/brok…— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) January 12, 2025 at 5:37 PM
“I want to live in Ukraine.” Zelensky posted a new video showing North Koreans being interrogated. One soldier says he didn’t know he was sent to fight in Ukraine and believes the trip is just a regular training exercise, unaware of his true destination.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) January 12, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Zelenskyy shows interrogation of North Korean POWs, proposes their exchange – video
— Ukrainska Pravda 🇺🇦 (@pravda.ua) January 12, 2025 at 5:59 PM
From Ukrainska Pravda:
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has shared the first video of the interrogation of North Korean soldiers captured in Russia’s Kursk Oblast and stated that Ukraine is ready to return them to their home country as part of a prisoner exchange with Russia.
Quote: “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 Korea. Putin started three years ago with ultimatums to NATO and attempts to rewrite history, but now he cannot manage without military support from Pyongyang.
Ukraine is ready to hand over Kim Jong Un’s soldiers to him if he can organise their exchange for our warriors who are being held captive in Russia.
For those North Korean soldiers who do not wish to return, there may be other options available. In particular, those who express a desire to bring peace closer by spreading the truth about this war in Korean will be given that opportunity.”
Details: When one of the prisoners is questioned if he realised he was fighting against Ukraine, he shakes his head in denial. As the interpreter translated, the prisoner was told he was merely going for training.
The prisoner originally expressed a desire to remain in Ukraine, but subsequently stated that he would “do as he is ordered”. The interpreter explained, “If he has to return, he will. If given the chance, he will stay here.”
Another North Korean prisoner nodded affirmatively when asked if he wanted to return to North Korea.
Update: Later, in his address, Zelenskyy said one of the prisoners had expressed a desire to stay in Ukraine, while the other wanted to return to North Korea.
Quote: “If Kim Jong Un even remembers these citizens of his and can arrange an exchange for our soldiers held in Russia, we are ready to hand over these soldiers. There will undoubtedly be other prisoners from North Korea.”
Kursk:
8th Separate Special Purpose Regiment unit shared a 7-minute video repelling a mass North Korean assault that lasted over 8 hours in the Kursk Operational Zone. The unit says Koreans had a significant superiority in numbers but failed to harm even one Ukrainian warrior.
t.me/ua_regteam/280
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) January 12, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Kharkiv:
Rooftop recap from Kharkiv’s Saltivka after way too long
— Maria Avdeeva (@mariainkharkiv.bsky.social) January 12, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Chasiv Yar:
Chasiv Yar: Another town reduced to rubble.
Russia brings only destruction and death.— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) January 12, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Kherson:
In Kherson region, in the last 24 hours, by Russia
1 killed
2 injured
47 settlements shelled
2 highrises
8 private houses
1 warehouse damagedHuman safari goes on. Today:
2 women attacked and injured by Russian FPV drones
(2 drone victims yesterday)📸Kherson Non Fake Tg
— Zarina Zabrisky (@zarinazabrisky.bsky.social) January 12, 2025 at 3:59 AM
Kurahove:
A Russian occupier shared a clip from the Kurakhove direction. He claims they spotted an armed Ukrainian while unarmed themselves. After asking, “Who are you?” the man vanished. They stormed a house with grenades, but he emerged, shouted he was “one of theirs,” and escaped before they reacted.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) January 12, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Full video is here: t.me/wartranslate…
Thought they’re mostly just clearing the house, and their rage is at the very end as I shared in the lead tweet.— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) January 12, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Novoh
There is no information on casualties yet—Russian channels are completely silent about this.
t.me/supernova_pl…
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) January 12, 2025 at 12:28 PM
rodivka, Donetsk Oblast:
Supernova shares a likely video of a strike on the command post of Russia’s 2nd Guards Combined Arms “Army” in Novohrodivka, Donetsk region, earlier today. The explosion was so powerful that the floors of a five-story building collapsed, and clouds of dust rose hundreds of meters into the air.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) January 12, 2025 at 12:28 PM
The Engels-2 air base, Russia:
🔥 Oil depot in Russia’s Engels remains ablaze for fifth day after drone attack
— Ukrainska Pravda 🇺🇦 (@pravda.ua) January 12, 2025 at 7:51 AM
Just three more days to a new Ukrainian Jewish holiday!
You can do it!!!!
💙😻 We always ride together on a combat mission!
— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) January 2, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Open thread!
Gin & Tonic
You probably mean “lick.”
frog
I am not familiar with this phrasing. I have always heard about “Licking” boots, not “Liking” them.
Adam L Silverman
@Gin & Tonic: It took me five minutes and three tries to get the damn post to correctly update to fix it. It would be nice if this place had ever worked correctly since the rebuild. But it never has, never will.
Adam L Silverman
The next pedant gets banned. Only warning. I should never have thought better of banning him and unbanned Steeplejack almost immediately for pulling this type of thing.
Parfigliano
Can you imagine the outraged howls from the GOPers and media (I repeat myself) if the incoming Biden Admin was talking with the Russians prior to Trump leaving office. Articles to impeach Biden would be filed prior to his inauguration. Christ I remember when they wanted to impeach Clinton because he traveled to Russia as a Rhodes Scholar 20+ years before becoming POTUS.
Jay
Thank you, Adam.
NutmegAgain
I’m glad to see Annalena Baerbock come out strong in favor of Ukraine aid. I’m still not sure if she retains her office after the Feb elections. Will have to call the Bat, er Germany, phone! Seriously if anyone can untangle German parliamentary politics, that would be helpful.
Shalimar
It seems like Serbia already made their position as a Trump ally very obvious when they gave Kushner a free 99-year lease on prime real estate for a luxury resort.
Jay
Funny that,
https://nitter.poast.org/Valen10Francois/status/1878048200759607572#m
So, it’s not religion, values, etc,
Is it the racism?
Or is it the money?
Gin & Tonic
@Jay: Yes.
Jay
https://nitter.poast.org/Gerashchenko_en/status/1878544149206462963#m
Appears to be this system, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pongae-6
Jay
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/01/11/germany-races-to-secure-stricken-russian-shadow-fleet-oil-tanker-2-a87574
Jay
Perun on Unmanned Ground Systems in Ukraine,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrrXNZyoc8k
Aziz, light!
I suspect that Kim Fatty the Third will imprison or kill the families of the two soldiers who surrendered, if he hasn’t already.
KatKapCC
I imagine the right wing here is watching the police in Georgia with a disgusting level of glee.
So amazing to hear that Ukraine wants to send firefighters to L.A. Yet more proof that they are the ones with morality and humanity in this war.
gene108
I get the feeling international support for Ukraine, as insufficient as it has been, will drop dramatically in 2025.
It’s not just Trump stopping U.S. aid, but EU countries are not individually ramping up their arms manufacturing, even though they have the capacity.
Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom
MSNBC is reporting that House Democrats are launching an investigation into the Starlink Snowflake & his links to Russia. All I have to say is what took so bloody long! Do they really think they will pull this off once the administration changes?
Thank you Adam. Glad Rosie is doing so very well.
AlaskaReader
Thanks Adam
Jay
@gene108:
EU arms production is up 25% since 2022.
Rheinmetall for example has opened 5 factories in Ukraine, to provide shells, artillery, tanks and IFV’s for Ukraine, paid for by seized ruZZian assets. None of that counts as EU Arms Production.
Promised US Aid to Ukraine, (humanitarian, fiscal and arms) only amounts to 35% of all aid provided to Ukraine, and according to the Ukrainians, only 10% of that has been delivered so far.
In 2024, the Slovak people crowdfunded, (after the Slovak Government cut off all aid) 1.5 million 155mm shells from international markets. 0.5 million more 155mm shells than the US provided in 2024.
gene108
@Jay:
Thanks for the information.
Jay
@KatKapCC:
It will probably be a “holiday” for them, the UA Firefighters, after all, they will not be trying to put out ruZZian caused forest fires while being shelled and shot at by ruZZian, or putting out building fires and rescuing people, while worrying about a ruZZian ‘double tap”, or ruZZian drones targeting their emergency vehicles.