(Image by NEIVANMADE)
A quick housekeeping note and an update on something from last night. First, I’m still fired, so I’m just going to run through the basics again.
Second, we now have more clarification on the freeze on all US aid that I included in last night’s post. It does not apply to food aid, but just about everything else. Including aid to Ukraine. Embassy Kyiv has sent a query back to State for clarification, but for now things are on hold. The only other items that the order didn’t freeze is aid to Israel and Egypt, as well as the transfer of the 2,000 lbs bombs that the Biden folks slow walked and Bibi has been bitching about.
If anyone wins here it is the PRC because this creates a huge opportunity for them to move into the space the US has just abandoned, make up the difference, and get some easy soft power wins. I don’t know if they will or not, but that’s what this order freezing aid and assistance does. This is the Trump administration shooting the US’s soft power in the knees. At least.
The Russians spent much of the day attacking Kharkiv with drones. This included some of the Russian human safari by drone.
This is russian drone falling (literally) on the residential area of Kharkiv today
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) January 25, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Russia attacked Kharkiv with three Molniya drones, striking an infrastructure facility, an administrative building, and a site near a supermarket. Three people were injured. In broad daylight, drones continue to freely fly over and terrorize Ukraine’s second-largest city!
— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) January 25, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Kharkiv prosecutors reveal russia’s Molniya drones are packed with deadly metal balls designed to kill and injure anyone on the streets.
— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) January 25, 2025 at 4:58 PM
One of the Russian drones in Kharkiv struck near a parking lot and a public transportation stop, damaging 7 cars.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) January 25, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Something just exploded very loudly somewhere in the city, completely out of nowhere. The alert has been on for almost 5 hours, so of course, everyone has been forced to disregard it by now. This is what ‘normal’ nights in Kharkiv look like.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) January 25, 2025 at 6:02 PM
President Zelenskyy’s did not make an address today. He did hold a joint press availability with the Moldovan President Maia Sandu. Video below, English transcript after the jump.
Joint statement by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu
25 January 2025 – 13:24
President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu made a visit to Ukraine upon the invitation of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Presidents of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova had talks, following which they:
- Emphasized the importance of the relationship between Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, based on the principles of good neighbourliness, shared democratic values, and respect for international law. Furthermore, agreed to enhance collaboration on initiatives that will strengthen the partnership between the two states;
- Agreed to further intensify their efforts aimed at developing solid and comprehensive relations between Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, based on mutual trust, respect, and solidarity; reaffirmed in this context their commitments to a practical, predictable, forward-looking agenda of cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, to be pursued in a constructive and mutually beneficial spirit;
- Confirmed unconditional support and commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of both states within their internationally recognized borders;
- Affirmed the Republic of Moldova’s full solidarity with Ukraine and its people, who are courageously and legitimately fending off Russia’s war of aggression, and agreed to sustain practical assistance to Ukraine as long as may be necessary to put in place conditions for restoring comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine and strengthen Europe’s security;
- Underscored the Republic of Moldova’s multidimensional assistance in meeting the needs of Ukraine and its people since the first days of Russia’s illegal, unprovoked, and unjustified full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, recognizing the importance of continuing humanitarian assistance and pledging to enhance collaborative efforts to identify the necessary resources and humanitarian support to those affected by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including displaced Ukrainians in Moldova;
- Called for the withdrawal of Russian troops from all temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and urged the international community to ensure robust security guarantees for Ukraine;
- Strongly condemned the deliberate and systematic Russian attacks against Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure, causing numerous casualties among the civilian population and constituting a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. These attacks also threaten Moldova’s citizens by violating its sovereign airspace, with drones landing on Moldovan soil. Such actions are unacceptable and underscore the necessity for immediate and coordinated efforts to ensure Ukraine’s reliable and effective defence;
- Reaffirmed support for the Peace Formula, which is the only viable and effective mechanism to restore just and lasting peace and to end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in accordance with the norms and principles of international law;
- Emphasized the fact that an effective sanctions policy is a key factor limiting Russia’s capacity, means and resources to fund its war against Ukraine. Therefore, robust sanctions are not only a key deterrent but also an indispensable instrument for restoring peace in Ukraine and across Europe;
- Concurred on the significance of the special international tribunal to ensure accountability of the Russian Federation for the war of aggression against Ukraine;
- Underlined that Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine and continued violations of international norms, condemned by the overwhelming majority of the international community via the General Assembly UN resolutions, raise questions about Russia’s role as a mediator and guarantor in a wide range of conflict situations, including the Transnistrian conflict;
- Reiterated the shared commitment to the peaceful, negotiated reintegration of the Republic of Moldova and called for the unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops from the Transnistrian region;
- Strongly condemned the deliberate interruption of gas supplies by the Russian Federation to the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova, which has triggered a humanitarian crisis. The parties reaffirmed their commitment and capacity to provide urgent and concrete solutions to address the energy needs of the Transnistrian region’s residents, prevent further escalation of the crisis and restore basic services;
- Expressed a resolute readiness for joint steps aimed at strengthening energy security and diversifying energy sources to ensure stability in energy supply and maintain independence from external influences;
- Denounced the unprecedented subversive activities and hybrid attacks by Russia against Moldova, particularly in the context of last year’s presidential elections and referendum. These actions demonstrate a clear intent to systematically interfere in democratic processes, aiming to destabilise the wider region and undermine stability in Europe;
- Committed to strengthening cooperation to counter further hybrid threats and disinformation;
- Reaffirmed mutual determination to strengthen practical cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova in all spheres of mutual interest. This commitment encompasses enhancing economic ties, fostering cultural exchanges, and collaborating on common security challenges;
- Confirmed a resolute commitment to cooperate with the international community to ensure effective and sustainable recovery for Ukraine after Russia’s war of aggression, while working to address the urgent needs arising from the war and rebuild the nation in a manner that fosters resilience and stability;
- Highlighted the importance of enhancing connectivity between the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, which involves developing existing transport infrastructure, facilitating border crossings, removing bottlenecks, and establishing new border crossing points;
- Emphasized the importance of using existing cooperation mechanisms within the UN, OSCE, Council of Europe, UNESCO, IAEA, etc., as well as of regional formats – including the trilateral Ukraine-Romania-the Republic of Moldova – with the aim to foster cooperation between the states on security, energy, infrastructure and other projects;
- Acknowledged the progress made by both Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova in their pursuit of the strategic goal of full-fledged membership in the European Union. Both states are dedicated to implementing the necessary reforms for European integration and opening all negotiation clusters by the end of 2025;
- Stated that Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova are committed to further enhancing their interstate relations based on mutual trust and respect, openness, and comprehensive collaboration for the benefit of the citizens of both states.
Yesterday, President Zelenskyy presented awards to Ukrainian intelligence professionals. Here’s the video:
Georgia:
Day 59 continuous. For two months, protests have been non-stop in Batumi as well. This is at the Batumi port.
#GeorgiaProtests #NewElectionsforGeorgia— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) January 25, 2025 at 1:31 PM
On January 24, protest slogans and statements from significant moments in Georgian history were broadcast from Tbilisi’s bus payment machines. Today, two citizens appeared on Rustaveli Avenue dressed as these machines.
#GeorgiaProtests
Day 60— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) January 25, 2025 at 12:55 PM
“Report the truth” — Protesters hold daily demonstrations outside the Public Broadcaster, which is loyal to GD, demanding airtime. Today, protests were also held near government propaganda channels. Eventually, everyone marched to Rustaveli.
#GeorgiaProtests
Day 59— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) January 25, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Back to Ukraine:
Nemesis unit does not stop hunting Russian air defense systems. This time Russian BUK-M3 was bombarded by heavy night bomber drone. t.me/usf_army/359
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) January 25, 2025 at 10:05 AM
A French VAB Mk3 6×6 APC in desert camouflage with an installed Ukrainian Combat Module “Sich” somewhere in Ukraine. t.me/TyskNIP/14785
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) January 25, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Oil refinery im Ryazan, russia is on fire again 👀💥
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) January 25, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Kupiansk:
💥Achilles UAV battalion and Burevii brigade repel another Russian attack on Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi – video
— Ukrainska Pravda 🇺🇦 (@pravda.ua) January 25, 2025 at 5:43 PM
From Ukrainska Pravda:
The Achilles Strike UAV Battalion of the 92nd Ivan Sirko Separate Assault Brigade, along with the fighters of the National Guard’s Burevii Brigade, discovered and burned Russian vehicles when the Russians tried to conduct an assault in the vicinity of Pishchane on 24 January.
Source: Achilles Strike UAV Battalion
Деталі: У бік Купʼянська-Вузлового висувалося 4 БТР з піхотою.
Details: Four armoured personnel carriers carrying soldiers were heading towards Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi.
Achilles soldiers destroyed four armoured personnel carriers, killing three Russian soldiers and injuring four more.
Background:
- On 3 and 4 January, the UAV crews of the Achilles strike battalion stopped 20 Russian armoured vehicles over two days.
- Earlier, Commander Anton Shmahailo of the Achilles UAV Battalion has suggested that the Russian forces may have been given a deadline to achieve specific objectives on the Kupiansk front, such as capturing Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi by the New Year.
It’s the music in the video that just ties it all together.
Ryazan, Russia:
Russian Ryazan oil refinery again targeted by drones
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) January 25, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Oil refinery im Ryazan, russia is on fire again 👀💥
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) January 25, 2025 at 6:31 PM
That’s enough for tonight.
Your daily Patron!
There are no new Patron skeets or videos tonight. Here is some adjacent material.
Hungry cats on a cold and snowy Saturday in eastern Ukraine!
— Nate Mook (@natemook.bsky.social) January 25, 2025 at 3:02 PM
It never ceases to amaze me how well-behaved Ukrainian dogs are. As the Hachiko team arrived to the city of Sviatohirsk, the homeless dogs lined up waiting patiently to be served. 🐕🐩🐕
— Nate Mook (@natemook.bsky.social) January 25, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Open thread!
AlaskaReader
Thanks Adam
Jay
Thank you, Adam.
Adam L Silverman
@AlaskaReader: @Jay: You are both most welcome.
Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom
Thank you Adam.
YY_Sima Qian
At a time when the domestic economy is facing uncertainty, foreign aid isn’t any more popular in the PRC than it is in the US or most other countries. I don’t see the PRC filling all of the gap (especially financial gap) that the US has just left, but it will certainly do some filling (even if symbolically) & play it for all it’s worth.
For 2+ decades now the US has been trying to “counter” the expansion of the PRC’s presence & influence around the world by fighting something w/ nothing, & now Trump is taking away what little of the something (that is not military/intelligence related) there had been. Yes, the PRC will “win” here just by being “not US”, as has been the case since the GWB Administration.
Even Obama & Biden, for all of the good things they had done, had done preciously little beyond the military (be it taking kinetic action or providing support), intelligence (be it conducting espionage or intel sharing), sanctions, export controls & tariff domains, in their engagements w/ the world at large.
grammypat
I know it’s been a while, but …. Again, Thank you for all that you do.
Gloria DryGarden
A map, not completely off topic-
I found this map on the geography feed on bluesky. It makes an entry point into, and helps me understand deeper, part of the strategy behind this war.
Dniepr river in Ukraine
text: fleuve stratégique reliant la#Russieà la mer Noire via l’#Ukraine
et la#Biélorussie, est une ligne de front clé du conflit. Avec la centrale de Zaporijjia et le barrage de Kakhovka, il joue un rôle vital pour l’énergie, l’environnement et la géopolitique régionale
rough translation strategic river for Russia to the Black Sea, via Ukraine and B Its a key line on the conflict front. ..,the center of Zaporijjia and the ___ in Kakh It plays a vital role for energy, the environment, and regional geopolitics.
“Le dessous des cartes” vous embarque pour une croisière sur un fleuve au coeur de l’actualité depuis l’invasion russe de l’Ukraine : le Dniepr. De la centrale nucléaire de Zaporijjia au barrage de Kakhovka, le plus long cours d’eau d’Europe est à la fois ligne de front et noeud stratégique dans la guerre entre l’Ukraine et la Russie. A river at the heart of the news after the Russian invasion of Ukraine: the Dniepr. From the nuclear center of Z to the____ of Kakhova, the longest waterway in Europe is at the same time the front line (?) and strategic (node?) in the war between The Ukraine and Russia)
Gloria DryGarden
@Gloria DryGarden: the French “barrage” means dam, road block or barrier
So in Kakhovka. It refers to that.
apologies for rough translation, and for taking too long to get translations for the words I didn’t know.