It’s been a very long week. My Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday were all three Mondays full of Mondays. I’m just going to run through the basics tonight because I’m wiped.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer finally bestirred himself to make a visit to Ukraine today.
Here’s President Zelensky and PM Starmer paying respects to Ukraine’s thousands of fallen soldiers at the memorial wall beside St. Michael’s in central Kyiv today. via Zelensky
— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 6:10 AM
It took Starmer 6 months to visit Kyiv. To compare, Sunak came a month after he became PM; Boris 2 months. Ukraine’s leadership has been frustrated by that. Among agenda items are talks about potential UK troops on the ground for training and/or security force after a future ceasefire.
— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 4:04 AM
From The Financial Times:
Sir Keir Starmer has opened the door to a British troop presence in Ukraine in the event that a peace deal with Russia is reached.
On his first trip to Kyiv to see Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which some Ukrainian officials feel is overdue, the UK prime minister said Britain would play its “full part in guaranteeing Ukraine’s security”.
At a joint press conference, Zelenskyy said he was discussing the idea of an international force with French President Emmanuel Macron, but was also talking about it with Britain, Poland and the Baltic states.
Starmer, speaking in the presidential palace in Kyiv, did not commit to taking part in a postwar stabilisation force, but said: “We will work with you and all of our allies on steps that would be robust enough to guarantee Ukraine’s security, peace and deter future aggression.”
He said he expected those conversations to continue “for many months ahead” but that he wanted the UK to play a leading role in developing a “peace through strength” strategy in 2025.
Starmer also hinted that British troops could be deployed to Ukraine to train its forces, saying: “When it comes to training Ukraine’s defenders, nothing is off the table.”
The prime minister told the Financial Times that the west would have to give Ukraine robust security guarantees if a peace deal was agreed with Moscow and said that the UK would “play its part”.
He stressed that these safeguards had to be “effective in guaranteeing an enduring peace, not a pause. That’s what we need to guard against.”
British officials said early discussions were focused on UK troops joining an international force in a demilitarised zone, but the immediate focus was on putting Ukraine in “the strongest possible position” in any peace talks.
More at the link and the video of the joint press conference after President Zelenskyy’s daily address and the jump.
“This is what Ukrainians see every day.”
Russia launched a drone attack on the center of Kyiv right during the British Prime Minister’s visit.— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Speaking of, here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.
There Will Be More Investments from Partners in Ukrainian Drone Production – Address by the President
16 January 2025 – 21:05
I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!
Today has been a long day.
The visit of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the signing of the One Hundred Year Partnership Agreement. This is a fundamentally new format of relations. Relations between Ukraine and the UK are now closer than ever, and some of the things we included in the One Hundred Year Partnership Agreement with the UK can definitely be replicated with other countries, further developing our partnerships. More defense cooperation, more security cooperation. This year alone, we are receiving $6.6 billion in military aid from the United Kingdom, with more than $3 billion allocated as an annual commitment – an obligatory level of support that will continue for as long as necessary on a long-term basis. In addition, the agreement includes economic, technological, and educational cooperation – the development of our schools and universities in partnership with British ones. There is also a classified, secret part of the agreement. Everything that truly adds resilience and opportunities for our development.
Today, together with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, we met with Ukrainian drone manufacturers – this is the type of weapon that is currently being made in Ukraine and is most profitable to produce here, compared to anywhere else in Europe. And we are constantly making our drones more effective. There will be more investments from partners in Ukrainian drone production. This year must be a record-breaking year in terms of drone production volumes.
There was also a meeting with the Minister of Defense of Italy. I am grateful to Italy for all the support it has provided to our state and our people. We talked about what we can do together in the future – primarily air defense, as well as joint production. We need to create more jobs for our nations in Europe and achieve technological results. Italy is preparing its 11th support package.
Also, there was a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. The Netherlands is one of our most principled partners, supporting us in matters concerning the EU for Ukraine, NATO, and holding Russia – particularly its leadership – accountable for this war. This will definitely happen – we will find the format.
And one more thing.
I met with UN representatives. The main topic was supporting Ukrainians, especially internally displaced persons. Restoring destroyed homes, social support, financial support. This year, within the framework of UN programs, $3.3 billion is allocated to support Ukrainians. Today we discussed how to make UN aid more effective and how to bring us closer to what we desire most – a just peace.
Thank you to everyone who helps!
Glory to Ukraine!
Here’s the President Zelenskyy and PM Starmer:
I’ll include the interview President Zelenskyy gave to Polish news media during his trip yesterday in tomorrow night’s update.
Zelensky made a statement about the situation on the front line.
According to the President, the most challenging situation is in the east due to the high concentration of Russian troops and equipment.
t.me/c/1377735387…— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Georgia:
It’s been about 40 days in the 50-day large-scale protests since the regime doesn’t gas us and people still report continuous fever, breathing, throat and respiratory problems, migraine, etc.
I hope one day we know what they poisoned us with. #terrorinGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 5:03 PM
January 16 – #Tbilisi
“Freedom for Mzia Amaghlobeli, freedom for the hostages of the regime!” – Journalists and media supporters joined the rally on Rustaveli Avenue on the 50th day of the #GeorgiaProtests.
— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) January 16, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Day 50 of the large-scale protests (day 80 overall).
We are at the point when the protest simply cannot stop, and it’s either a dictatorship or a true institutional restart and democratization. 1/— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Even if suddenly people stopped for a day, or a week, enough damage has been done for it to never go back to business as usual. This means the regime will have to keep doubling down and/or provoking people one way or another. 2/
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 2:42 PM
For that reason, it doesn’t matter how many people protest each day, other than the principled importance of blocking Rustaveli.
Everyone knows that the vast majority is in a protest mode anyway, and there is no confidence in any upcoming regular “elections” since the electoral fraud. 3/— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 2:42 PM
This is the endgame, both for the regime and for us.
Yesterday was the first-ever attempt for a national strike, and quite a successful one.
We believe that with endurance, disobedience, further strikes, maybe some new forms of protests, 4/— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 2:42 PM
and foreign pressure through non-recognition, no business as usual, sanctions and continued recognition of President Zourabichvili, the regime will likely collapse. If not, we’ll discuss it as it goes.
#terrorinGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests #NewElectionsforGeorgia 5/5.— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Shot:
The court fined Zugdidi activist Mariam Sichinava 5,000 GEL (≈$1,760) for wearing a mask and using fireworks during protest rallies.
#TerrorinGeorgia
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) January 15, 2025 at 11:40 AM
Chaser:
EVERYONE must know Mariam Sitchinava, one of the emerging symbols of the resistance!
A defiant activist of Zugdidi town was released yesterday after her detention over fireworks, and today, she again launched fireworks while wearing a protective gas mask, also outlawed. She is now detained AGAIN! 1/— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Mariam is demonstratively slapping the system and making the entire process ridiculous, to the point that even some part of the local police and judiciary of Zugdidi seem be increasingly aware of the absurdity of the situation. 2/
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Form what I remember, she was the very first one to disobey the dictatorial laws, and later Kutaisi expressed solidarity to Zugdidi and Mariam’s efforts, before it went nationwide.
Yesterday, a face mask protest was scheduled in Tbilisi. The event card says “solidarity to Mariam Sitchinava.” 3/— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 10:10 AM
When the system is hollowed out and crumbling, Mariam’s role in it will be quite huge.
In addition to many other things and factors in her life, Mariam is also a single mother of a (very bright and lovely) little girl! 4/— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 10:10 AM
It is noteworthy that, since Georgia is a small country, quite usually there are only few people fit for a certain task.
We are blessed to have Mariam and I am incredibly proud to be with her (and many other great people) in the Droa party team! 5/— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Please, friends, amplify this post. Mariam deserves our support! Thank you!
#terrorinGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests #NewElectionsforGeorgia 6/6.— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 10:10 AM
My comment to the great @zarinazabrisky.bsky.social on the first-ever strike in Georgia. January 15.
Don’t miss part 2 in the comments, since Bluesky only uploads a minute each time. #terrorinGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 4:21 PM
🇬🇪🇪🇺 #GeorgiaProtests #terrorinGeorgia #NewElectionsforGeorgia 2/2
— ⚫️🐦⬛ 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@theskyisnotblue.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 4:05 PM
One of the most Georgian moments in this resistance – a man tells the oligarch’s judge in Batumi: “It’s my guilt that I was at your wedding and made a toast for you, you slave!” #GeorgiaProtests
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Back to Ukraine.
Destroyed Russian TOR-M2 air defense system. 12.01.2025.
t.me/lost_warinua…— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 12:28 PM
That’ll buff right out!
Russian occupied Donetsk Oblast:
WARNING!! WARNING!! GRAPHIC CONTENT!! WARNING!! WARNING!!
Natalia Vlasova survived the deadliest torture prison in occupied Donetsk.
Now, she and others face 18 years in prison, accused of “terrorism” and attempting to kill Vasily Yevdokimov, a key figure in the “Іzoliatsiia” torture prison.
1/6
— UNITED24 Media (@united24media.com) January 16, 2025 at 3:04 PM
— UNITED24 Media (@united24media.com) January 16, 2025 at 3:04 PM
— UNITED24 Media (@united24media.com) January 16, 2025 at 3:04 PM
— UNITED24 Media (@united24media.com) January 16, 2025 at 3:04 PM
(Camera here should be chamber)
— UNITED24 Media (@united24media.com) January 16, 2025 at 3:04 PM
ALL CLEAR!!!!!
Donetsk:
January 16 marks the Day of Remembrance for the Cyborgs, defenders of Donetsk Airport.
“The people endured, the concrete did not.”
Honor and glory to the heroes!
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 9:55 AM
The Donetsk Airport…. it’s been a decade.
“Cyborgs,” the symbol of soldier valor and an icon of Ukrainian national pride.
— Illia Ponomarenko (@ioponomarenko.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 3:16 PM
The Kursk cross border offensive:
Group of 27 Russian POWs captured on the Kursk front:
“During the fighting, 27 enemy fighters were captured. These were officers, sergeants and soldiers from motorized rifle units, marines, airborne troops and other military units”
t.me/ua_dshv/4762— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 5:13 AM
Previously undocumented destroyed Russian S-400 air defence system launcher in Belgorod/Kursk region of Russia. t.me/lost_warinua…
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 4:58 AM
Kharkiv:
Russian drones in Kharkiv skies right now ‼️
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Russia struck the road in Kharkiv with a drone today, injuring 3 people
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 11:13 AM
According to the Kharkiv Mayor, a Russian drone strike on Kharkiv has injured at least three people.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 8:39 AM
Kherson:
🚨🚨🚨Kherson now. A drone hit a civilian car with people inside.
A video by my close friend. Near my Kherson apartment.
Today, especially bad.
Human safari that no one wants to see.
— Zarina Zabrisky (@zarinazabrisky.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 3:32 AM
The Toretsk front:
Fighters of “Azov” captured 23 Russians in the Toretsk direction. Russians surrendered voluntarily and were found in basements during the assaults.
t.me/c/1377735387…— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 12:42 PM
The Siversk front:
Russian assault involving over 40 motorcyclists on the Siversk front.
During five massive enemy attacks on January 14, soldiers of the 10th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade destroyed 39 motorcycles, 2 BMPs, 2 vehicles, 2 ATVs, 16 FPVs, and one antenna.
t.me/c/1377735387…— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 7:09 AM
The Liski oil depot in Voronezh Oblast is still burning:
/2. Russian oil depot in Liski, Voronezh region still on fire after tonight’s drone attack.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 7:20 AM
/3. Russian Liski oil depot, which was targeted by drones tonight, was covered in anti drone cages.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 7:21 AM
While Russians are busy blaming each other for missing air defense two days ago, Ukrainian drones hit yet another oil depot.
Fuel tanks in Voronezh Oblast have been… rearranged. No breaks for them! 💪🏻 🔥
— Maria Avdeeva (@mariainkharkiv.bsky.social) January 16, 2025 at 3:14 AM
That’s enough for tonight.
Your daily Patron!
There are no new Patron skeets or videos tonight. Here is some adjacent material.
💙😻 Best brother in arms!
— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) January 15, 2025 at 7:16 AM
Open thread!
mapanghimagsik
Hundred year agreement? I hope they realize that without help, they wont be there for a hundred years. Ugh.
And first?
VeniceRiley
I wouldn’t cry if Moscow was wiped off the face of this planet
Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom
Thank you Adam.
Adam L Silverman
@Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom: You’re welcome.
AlaskaReader
Thanks Adam
Timill
@VeniceRiley: I would – The Pushkin Museum there has Priam’s Gold, and there are no doubt other irreplaceable artifacts in the Kremlin.
The current regime would be no loss, of course…
Parfigliano
@Timill: What comes after the current regime will probably be worse. Seems to be how Russia rolls.
Adam L Silverman
@AlaskaReader: You’re welcome.
Nukular Biskits
Thanks for the roundup, Adam.
tokyocali (formerly tokyo ex-pat)
Thank you, Adam.
One of my instructors went to Georgia over the New Year’s break, because she is an Indian national and Georgia does not require a visa for Indians whereas many other countries do. I contacted her a day or so after she arrived (just after Christmas) when I saw that there were major protests happening and I was worried. She said that the protests were happening elsewhere and that the tourists were taken to other places. She had a wonderful time and really liked the people. I hope there is a positive ending to all this without bloodshed.
Traveller
Here is a gifted link from the NYT on the US’s secret, up to now, support for Ukraine’s drone program, both development and technical support. I suspect there were, are other secret programs of assistance.
It is good that we get to see one now and then…here’s for the drones.
nytimes.com/2025/01/17/us/politics/ukraine-drones-biden-support.html?unlocked_article_code=1.p04.Z-W…
Best Wishes, Traveller