Military
In a bold move to degrade Russia’s warfighting capacity, Ukraine has launched an unprecedented deep-strike operation on Russian territory. By targeting critical military assets such as missile production facilities, aviation fuel depots, and energy infrastructure, Ukraine is exposing the vulnerability of Russia’s critical assets. The strategic strikes on Russian oil depots in Tula and Kaluga oblasts have resulted in fires erupting, with at least ten Ukrainian drones successfully hitting an oil storage facility supporting Russian forces in Tula Oblast.
As of 18 JAN 2025, the approximate losses of weapons and military equipment of the Russian Armed Forces from the beginning of the invasion to the present day are being closely monitored.
Intelligence and Technology
Estonian intelligence has reported concerning signs of Russia’s artillery problems. The increasing reliance on North Korean artillery systems and the inability to achieve battlefield superiority despite tactical improvements signal deepening issues in Russia’s military capabilities and staying power in Ukraine. Additionally, Finnish military is revamping sniper training with lessons learned from the Russo-Ukrainian War, including incorporating “dynamic shooting” into future training sessions.
In a significant development, the UK Government has pledged to provide 30,000 new drones to Ukraine in a boost to European security. These first-person view drones are specifically designed to penetrate Russian air defenses, showcasing how Western allies are adapting their assistance to meet Ukraine’s evolving battlefield needs.
International
As tensions escalate, Russia has declared its intention to counter any UK-Ukraine cooperation in the Sea of Azov. Despite the Sea of Azov’s internationally recognized status as shared waters, Russia asserts exclusive control over the region, leading to a sharp rebuke from Moscow towards Britain’s new 100-year partnership with Ukraine.
In a concerning turn of events, the Bavarian far-right AfD leader has called for the immediate expulsion of Ukrainian refugees, potentially affecting millions across Germany, majority of whom are women and children. Meanwhile, German pro-Russian Wagenknecht has voiced opposition to Ukraine arms deliveries, calling for an end in exchange for a ceasefire.
Humanitarian and Social Impact
The human toll of the war is becoming increasingly evident, with reports of casualties rising. The number of injured due to Russian attacks on Zaporizhzhia has increased to 10 people, with eight individuals hospitalized and two receiving on-site treatment after a missile struck an infrastructure facility and the city center.
In a tragic incident, a Russian ballistic morning attack on Kyiv has resulted in three deaths and three injuries. The attack, which involved a combination of drones and missiles, has further heightened tensions and raised concerns about the escalating violence. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister has condemned the attacks, emphasizing that they only serve to prove that Putin does not desire peace.
