(Image by NEIVANMADE)
The Russians hammered civilian targets in Ukraine. Including a cathedral in Zaporizhzhia.
Russian forces launched a ballistic missile attack that caused significant damage to the historic St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Zaporizhzhia.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 6:33 AM
You are looking at what was a church in Zaporizhzhia, until russian missile hit it today.
This is for everyone who still thinks russia is some kind of protector of religion: russia really doesn’t care what to ruin next.
— Margo Gontar (@margogontar.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Rescuers have recovered the body of a man from beneath the rubble at the site of the russian missile strike in Zaporizhzhia. Ten other civilians were injured.
— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 11:35 AM
A friend wished me a quiet night. No, it wasn’t. After drones overnight, Russia attacked Kyiv with ballistic missiles this morning. Three people killed, caught right on the street near Lukianivska metro station.
— Maria Avdeeva (@mariainkharkiv.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 3:54 AM
Here’s the air defense tally:
🛡️ Ukrainian air defences down 2 out of 4 ballistic missiles
— Ukrainska Pravda 🇺🇦 (@pravda.ua) January 18, 2025 at 3:29 AM
Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.
Anyone Who Stands Against Ukraine or Defies the Laws of Ukraine Must Remember: They Will Face a Response – Address by the President
18 January 2025 – 19:47
Dear Ukrainians!
Today, after the missile strike on Kyiv, debris removal continued throughout the day. It was finished only in the evening. Efforts are still underway in Zaporizhzhia – they are looking for a person under the rubble. Meanwhile, rescuers are working at the site of a missile strike in the Kharkiv region. All those affected by these strikes are receiving the necessary assistance.
I am grateful to all the doctors, State Emergency Service employees, municipal services, and our police officers involved in the rescue efforts. Tragically, lives have been taken by these missiles. Both Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia have reported fatalities. My condolences to all their families and loved ones.
The strikes were carried out, in particular, by ballistic missiles. We are constantly working to secure more air defense systems for Ukraine – modern systems – capable of intercepting these types of ballistic missiles. Additionally, we are focused on ensuring that our Ukrainian army can take active action against enemy launchers, including those on Russian territory.
I am grateful to all our partners who are supporting us in these efforts. Our long-range capabilities are one of the key tools for protecting lives. And I thank all our warriors of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine, the Defense Intelligence, the Foreign Intelligence Service, who ensure the necessary long-range capabilities for us, for all Ukrainians, including with our own forces. Every night we can see how the war is returning home – quite justly – to Russian military facilities, thanks to our drones and missiles.
Today, Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have also performed very well: the Security Service of Ukraine, the State Bureau of Investigation, the National Police, and our Prosecutor’s Office. Traitors and various schemes that weakened our state and our Ukrainian society are being countered. And anyone who stands against Ukraine or defies the laws of Ukraine must remember that they will face a response.
We are also preparing a new decision on the sanctions of the National Security and Defense Council – a decree will be issued tomorrow.
Glory to Ukraine!
The cost:
⚡️24-year-old Belarusian volunteer soldier killed in action near Bakhmut.
Maria Zaitseva joined the Ukrainian army after the start of Russia’s full-scale war and fought with the 2nd International Legion Battalion.
— The Kyiv Independent (@kyivindependent.com) January 18, 2025 at 5:44 AM
Georgia:
#GeorgiaProtests
Day 53— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Day 52 continuous, and day 82 overall. New, free and fair elections. The release of the regime prisoners. #terrorinGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 1:11 PM
In Tbilisi’s Zghvisubani district, citizens are holding a march against the police regime. They are chanting: “No justice, no peace”, “Police violate the law”, „No to Terror”, The small march is being followed by police and SSG vehicles.
#GeorgiaProtests
#TerrorinGeorgia— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 7:25 AM
According to eyewitnesses, near Rustaveli Avenue, protesters Rati Tkemaladze and Otar Kvaratskhelia were forced into a car and taken away by unidentified individuals. Their friends still don’t know where Tkemaladze and Kvaratskhelia are.
#TerrorinGeorgia
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Two men have been abducted by car near Rustaveli metro. A woman confronts the car but is put aside by men in black. Can’t tell whether it’s the police or regime thugs. Not like it matters really. #terrorinGeorgia #GeorgiaProtests
📷 Magda Mamukashvili— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 2:52 PM
They are at a temporary detention center. The fact that this is good news…
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Protests are entering a new phase in 🇬🇪. A new tension is in the air, not least so because of resumed arrests, the police meddling with protesters, and Titushky (regime thugs) attacks; disobedience to the dictatorial laws is there, and the first round of fining people over petty reasons begins. 1/2
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 12:26 PM
For many, Rustaveli protest has become negatively routine and they want to find new forms.
It’s a weird mix of an unappealing routine and a sense of an impending confrontation.
Continued calls to persist in routine as well, though.
The protest mood itself is as high as ever.
#GeorgiaProtests 2/2.— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Many at the anti-mask laws disobedience march wear Bidzina Ivanishvili’s face as a mask. Until now, the police has not intervened, although they detained six over masks earlier today. They sing the vulgar anti-regime chant. 🎆 #GeorgiaProtests #terrorinGeorgia
📷 @mariamnikuradze.bsky.social— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Today, January 18, an attack was carried out in Tbilisi on member of the coalition “Strong Georgia,” Saba Buadze.
#TerrorinGeorgia
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 8:30 AM
The founder of independent media “Batumelebi” slapped Batumi police chief Irakli Dgebuadze during a protest. She is now accused of assaulting a police officer and face 4-7 years in prison.
Legal experts say this should only warrant a fine or up to 15 days in detention.
#TerrorinGeorgia
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 7:32 AM
This is yet another confirmation that Mzia Amaghlobeli is a political prisoner being punished for her journalistic work.
To this day, not a single person who brutally attacked protesters, including journalists, has been arrested.
#TerrorinGeorgia
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 7:37 AM
Back to Ukraine.
Kyiv:
Kyiv this morning
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Several large explosions audible in western Kyiv just now – just after all-clear had sounded. Sirens on again. It appears to have been a sneak Russian ballistic missile attack – just after the last Shahed attack drone in the area was downed.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) January 17, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Some Kyiv residents report that water supplies have been cut.
Fire in Shevchenkivskyi district in non-residential building. Emergency services heading to the scene, says Mayor Klitschko.
Likely from missile debris fall.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) January 17, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Early this morning, Russia bombed Kyiv with four ballistic missiles, causing infrastructure damage and killing three people.
I want to tell you about a group of coworkers at a nearby grocery store that stayed intact, reopening right after the attack.
📷 instagram.com/serhiikorovayny
— Jane Lytvynenko (@janelytv.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 5:25 AM
The missiles landed before the air raid alert sounded, the last one with a large flash I could see from my windows.
This happens because ballistics are fast, making them difficult to track. In frontline cities, attacks before alerts is a regular occurrence.
📷 instagram.com/serhiikorovayny
— Jane Lytvynenko (@janelytv.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 5:29 AM
One of the missiles must have hit a water pipe. The streets were overflowing with water—you couldn’t get to the other side without getting your shins wet.
The metro station, apartments, and buildings around it were all damaged. Many homes don’t have windows anymore.
📷 instagram.com/___svetj
— Jane Lytvynenko (@janelytv.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 5:35 AM
There’s a mall near the metro station—a major commuting hub.
The mall is downhill, a lot of the water was streaming down the streets, forming heavy waterfalls.
“How are we going to get to work now?” said one of a group of women trying to figure out where to cross.
📷 instagram.com/serhiikorovayny
— Jane Lytvynenko (@janelytv.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 5:39 AM
The women worked just across the street, at the grocery store near in the mall.
“You’re still opening?” I asked.
“Of course!” they said. “People need groceries.”
📷 instagram.com/___svetj
— Jane Lytvynenko (@janelytv.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 5:41 AM
Across the way, near the grocery store, a man in his 50s was unloading a truck full of fresh bread. You could smell the aroma coming from the pallets, a comforting, homey smell among the chaos of the attack.
— Jane Lytvynenko (@janelytv.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 5:45 AM
Mykhailo was driving bread from an out-of-town bakery when he heard about the attack. He kept going.
He joked that if he said what he truly thought about the situation, we’d have to censor him.
“Just one long bleep,” he said.
📷 instagram.com/serhiikorovayny
— Jane Lytvynenko (@janelytv.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 5:48 AM
Nearby, women who worked at the grocery store waited outside until it was safe to go in.
Anna got the morning shift. Her colleague Yulia was working in the store overnight when the attack happened. There were four explosions. She hid in the lavatory.
📷 instagram.com/serhiikorovayny
— Jane Lytvynenko (@janelytv.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 5:50 AM
Yulia jumped at the noise when Mykhailo shut the door to his truck. Her voice was shaking when she spoke, but she tried to laugh.
Russia attacks this location often, Yulia said they’re used to it. “Although it’s hard to get used to,” she said.
— Jane Lytvynenko (@janelytv.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 5:52 AM
A young coworker of theirs took off his shoes and places wooden pallets to make a bridge across the flooded street.
“I hope he doesn’t get sick,” Anna said.
The women who were waiting to get to work on the other side crossed. In a short while, the grocery store reopened.
📷 instagram.com/___svetj— Jane Lytvynenko (@janelytv.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 5:54 AM
Residents got to cleaning glass and taping up their windows.
Emergency crews continue to try to stop the flow of water.
City workers swept up the debris.
The Kyiv metro continued to run, skipping the station that was hit.
The day continued on.
📷 instagram.com/serhiikorovayny
— Jane Lytvynenko (@janelytv.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 6:00 AM
Karkhiv:
My mom just called to say that a missile exploded very close by. Her slightly open window flew fully open, and the house shook. She sounded genuinely terrified.
I fucking hate russia
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Chasiv Yar:
⚡️Ukrainian troops withdraw from, launch attack on Chasiv Yar refractory plant.
Ukrainian forces launched an aerial attack against a Russian-occupied refractory plant in the embattled city of Chasiv Yar, confirming earlier reports that Ukraine had withdrawn from the site.
— The Kyiv Independent (@kyivindependent.com) January 18, 2025 at 3:20 PM
From The Kyiv Independent:
Ukrainian forces launched an aerial attack against a Russian-occupied refractory plant in the embattled city of Chasiv Yar, Lieutenant Colonel Dmytro Zaporozhets, spokesperson for the Operational Tactical Group Luhansk, said on Jan. 18.
The attack confirms earlier reports that Ukrainian troops had withdrawn from the plant.
“On the territory of the refractory plant, the enemy tried to gain a foothold, attacking in small and medium groups,” Zaporozhets said during a television broadcast.
“Thanks to coordinated actions … (occupying Russian troops) were discovered in one of the premises on the territory of the refractory plant and an air strike was carried out. The enemy suffered losses.”
The Ukrainian news outlet Ukrainska Pravda posted a video, obtained from the Operational Tactical Group Luhansk, depicting the strike against the plant.
In the past week, Russian military bloggers alleged that Russian forces had pushed Ukrainian troops out of the refractory plant in Chasiv Yar. The crowd-sourced monitoring website Deep State also reported on Jan. 12 that Russia had occupied the site.
The plant served as reliable fortification for Ukrainian forces, who must now shelter in residential buildings weakened by constant shelling.
The front-line city ofChasiv Yar has become one of the hottest spots in Donetsk Oblast in recent months as Russian troops continue advancing in eastern Ukraine. The city has been partially under Russian control since Ukrainian forces withdrew from the eastern Kanal neighborhood in July.
Fighting has recently intensified near the city, with Russian forces reportedly using armored combat vehicles in their assault for the first time in late December.
Pokrovsk and several other places:
💀 Russians attack Pokrovsk front more than 80 times and lose 335 soldiers – General Staff
— Ukrainska Pravda 🇺🇦 (@pravda.ua) January 18, 2025 at 4:51 PM
From Ukrainska Pravda:
A total of 176 combat clashes have occurred on the battlefield since the beginning of the day, with the Russians assaulting the Pokrovsk front 84 times and losing 335 servicemen.
Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 22:00 on 18 January
Details: On the Kharkiv front, the Russians attacked the positions of Ukrainian troops in the vicinity of Vovchansk five times.
On the Kupiansk front, the Russians conducted offensive actions near Petropavlivka, Lozova and Pishchane. Six combat clashes have concluded, and one attack is still ongoing. The Russian troops attacked Hlushkivka with guided aerial bombs.
On the Lyman front, Russian troops attacked the positions of Ukraine’s defence forces near the settlements of Zelenyi Hai, Pershotravneve, Kopanky, Novoiehorivka, Novosadove, Novoliubivka and Zarichne. Ukrainian defenders repelled eight Russian attacks, and two more combat clashes are still ongoing. The Russians struck Shyikivka and Borivska Andriivka with guided aerial bombs.
On the Siversk front, the Russians attacked Ukrainian positions near Bilohorivka once, without success.
On the Kramatorsk front, the Russians attacked 10 times in the vicinity of Stupochky, Predtechyne and Chasiv Yar; all Russian attempts to advance were stopped by Ukrainian troops. The Russians dropped two guided aerial bombs on Markove.
On the Toretsk front, the Russians conducted 19 assault operations. Positions of Ukrainian units near Toretsk, Krymske and Shcherbynivka were attacked, with three clashes still ongoing. The Russian forces dropped a guided aerial bomb on Petrivka.
Since the start of the day, the Russians have attacked 84 times on the Pokrovsk front, specifically in the vicinity of Vodiane Druhe, Zelenove Pole, Malynivka, Pokrovsk, Kotlyne, Zvirove, Udachne, Novoandriivka, Yelyzavetivka, Promin, Lysivka, Zelene, Shevchenko, Uspenivka, Slovianka, Andriivka, Dachne, Ulakly and Yantarne. There are currently fourteen clashes unfolding.
The available data suggests that Russian losses on this front today totalled 335 personnel killed and injured, three vehicles and a UAV antennae were destroyed, and two more Russian vehicles were severely damaged.
On the Novopavlivka front, the Russians attacked 17 times near Velyka Novosilka. The clashes continue. The Russians launched airstrikes with guided bombs in the vicinities of Odradne, Kostiantynopil, Novosilka, Rozlyv, Vesele and Temyrivka.
The Russians did not conduct any offensive actions on the Huliaipole front.
On the Orikhiv front, the Russians unsuccessfully attacked Novodanylivka.
On the Prydniprovske front, the Ukrainian defence forces thwarted one Russian attack.
On the Kursk front, Ukrainian defenders repelled 12 Russian attacks, and one combat clash is still ongoing. The Russians carried out five airstrikes with five guided bombs and conducted 409 artillery attacks, including 18 from multiple-launch rocket systems.
There were no significant changes on other fronts.
Russia:
Four russian oil depots are currently engulfed in flames. The depots in Engels and Liski continue to burn following earlier drone strikes, while those in the Kaluga and Tula regions were attacked overnight and are now also on fire
— Meanwhile in Ukraine (@meanwhileua.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 5:34 AM
That’s enough for tonight.
Your daily Patron!
There are no new Patron skeets or videos today. Here is some adjacent material:
Warning: this photo can hurt ❤️🩹 since It’s #Caturday here’s a war Ukrainian cat from Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, that russian army attacks daily. Just look at this fella eyes : they saw everything 💔
— Margo Gontar (@margogontar.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 12:11 PM
The hungry cats come running when Alyona from the Hachiko team arrives to the heavily destroyed village of Kamianka in eastern Ukraine. 🐈🐈⬛
— Nate Mook (@natemook.bsky.social) January 18, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Open thread!
funlady75
thanks Adam…
Adam L Silverman
@funlady75: You’re welcome.
Jay
Thank you, Adam.
Adam L Silverman
@Jay: You’re welcome too.
Jay
nitter.poast.org/IAPonomarenko/status/1880569597549580779#m
Harrison Wesley
I apologize if you’ve already commented on the Iran-Russia treaty and I’ve missed it, Adam. I’m curious what your thoughts are, since I was surprised by it. Sounds like a better deal for Iran to me, but I haven’t been following closely. Thanks.
Jay
nitter.poast.org/Gerashchenko_en/status/1880591539488882959#m
Jay
nitter.poast.org/bayraktar_1love/status/1880628363628249316#m
Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom
Kyiv, a historic city, one of the oldest in Europe is being bombed on the regular & Olaf Scholz says Ukraine doesn’t need more air defence. I want to puke.
A teenager died trying to clean up the oil infesting the Black Sea. Whoever that kid was, they were braver than all the countries in the world sitting on their hands while the Black Sea dies. I can’t get this ecocide out of my head.
Canada is in political turmoil as the inauguration of the Great Orange Monster approaches. I hope Joe Biden exonerates Ethel Rosenberg as he heads for the door. He tried,how he tried, to make the world a better place. Yes, he failed, but I salute him for his attempts.
Why yes, I’m a little cranky today. How can you tell?
Thanks Adam for all you go through to bring us these updates.
Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom
Also, too, the Hachiko charity is excellent, run by Nate Mook, who used to work for my other favourite charity, World Central Kitchen. If you can, if, send them both what you can spare.
KatKapCC
Speaker-Pastor Mike Johnson could not be reached for comment.
AlaskaReader
Thanks Adam
Adam L Silverman
@AlaskaReader: You’re welcome.
Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom
@KatKapCC: Eff Johnson!😠
Harrison Wesley
@Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom: My lousy eyes read “Elf Johnson,” which may be pictorially correct but not nearly as accurate as what you wrote.
Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom
@Harrison Wesley: Heh!😁💪
evodevo
@KatKapCC: Well, early in the conflict, the Ukrainian Orthodox church and the Putin-friendly Russian Orthodox church parted ways, so the Russians consider the Ukrainian church apostate and a legit target – besides, the Orcs don’t care anyway which civilian infrastructure they destroy or how many civilians are killed in the process..
aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/21/ukraine-adopts-historic-law-to-ban-moscow-linked-orthodox-church