Russia-Ukraine War - News and Developments PART 2

[Soldier35]

Footage has been published of a strike by a Russian Iskander-M ballistic missile on a Ukrainian 5N63S command post with a 30N6 illumination and guidance radar of the S-300PS air defense system. The video was filmed from afar in the Pavlograd area of the Dnipropetrovsk region. Despite the low quality of the video, this clip is interesting because it shows a virtual confrontation between Soviet and Russian weapons. The S-300PS air defense system was developed in the USSR in 1982 and can hit targets at flight speeds of up to 1200 m/s. Ukraine previously had about 200 S-300PS/PT launchers in service. Ballistic missiles are a difficult target even for new air defense systems. As expected, the Ukrainian S-300PS air defense system, armed with 5V55R missiles, was unable to shoot down the Iskander-M missile. The speed of the Iskander-M missile at the final stage of flight reaches 2100 meters m/s. As a result of the Iskander-M missile strike, the Ukrainian command post 5N63S of the S-300PS air defense system was destroyed. At the end of the video, an evacuation group arrived at the radar.

 

[sidkhan2]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to do "everything possible" to end the ongoing war with Russia in 2025, emphasizing his commitment to achieving an honorable resolution for Ukraine and Europe. This declaration comes amid heightened military support from the United States, which announced a $500 million aid package during a recent meeting in Germany.

Key Highlights​

1. Zelensky's Commitment:
   • In a recent interview, Zelensky expressed optimism about the potential for peace in 2025, stating that Ukraine would fight tirelessly to stop Russian aggression. He highlighted the importance of military strength in negotiations, asserting that true peace can only be achieved when Ukraine is strong enough to compel Russia to engage in dialogue.
2. U.S. Support:
   • The Biden administration's announcement of a substantial aid package includes missiles, artillery shells, and support for F-16 fighter jets. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the importance of bolstering Ukraine’s defenses against ongoing Russian attacks.
3. Political Context:
   • Zelensky's statements come as the political landscape shifts with the impending inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has indicated a desire to negotiate an end to the conflict. Zelensky acknowledged Trump's potential role in facilitating peace but also expressed concerns about maintaining robust U.S. support for Ukraine.
4. Challenges Ahead:
   • Despite Zelensky's hopeful outlook, he faces significant challenges on the battlefield, where Russian forces continue to make gains. The Ukrainian leader has recognized that the situation remains precarious, with Russia holding approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory.
5. Public Sentiment:
   • As Ukraine enters another year of conflict, public sentiment remains focused on achieving peace and restoring territorial integrity. Many Ukrainians share Zelensky's hope for a resolution that respects their sovereignty and security.

Conclusion​

Zelensky's commitment to ending the war in 2025 reflects both optimism and the harsh realities facing Ukraine as it continues to defend against Russian aggression. The ongoing support from the U.S. and other allies will be crucial as Ukraine seeks to strengthen its position in any future negotiations while navigating the complexities of international politics under a new U.S. administration.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1877319064588071374

 

[Soldier35]

An episode of work in the Zaporizhia region of Ukraine, servicemen of the Stavropol airborne assault regiment of the Russian group of troops "Dnepr". The mobile crew uses, presumably, a homemade buggy, armed with an ATGM "Kornet". ATGM "Kornet" is capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 8000 meters. The tactics of such crews, rapid movement to a given position and leaving it. Presumably, a stronghold of the Ukrainian army was fired upon.

 

[Soldier35]

The video shows a Russian drone from the Okhotnik special forces unit of the 51st Guards Army of the Southern Group of Forces attacking a Ukrainian robotic transport platform. The Russian drone carried out the attack by dropping ammunition. The model of the Ukrainian robotic transport platform could not be determined, judging by the video, the transport robot was transporting provisions.

 

[Soldier35]

Footage of an attack by a Ukrainian drone, presumably of the Baba Yaga type, on a Russian Tor-M2 air defense system in the Zaporizhia direction. The operator of the Ukrainian drone spotted the Russian Tor-M2 air defense system and dropped ammunition on it several times. After the first explosion, the driver of the Russian air defense system quickly got his bearings and drove the combat vehicle out of the line of fire at full speed. Judging by the video, the air defense system may have received minor damage.

Footage of the attack of the Russian FPV drone "Prince Vandal Novgorodsky" on the Ukrainian IFV CV9040C, the video was filmed in the Kursk region of Russia. The CV90 IFV is produced in Sweden, it has very good protection. The CV90 IFV is controlled by 3 people, it can carry up to 4 troops. The CV90 IFV is equipped with a Bofors L / 70 automatic cannon with a caliber of 40 mm. The CV90 IFV was attacked by two Vandal drones, both hit the turret. Presumably, at the time of the attack, the Ukrainian CV90 IFV had already been abandoned by the crew.

 

[AbdulQadir7]

Overnight on January 14, 2025, Ukraine launched a massive drone and missile strike against multiple Russian regions, resulting in significant damage to industrial facilities and prompting flight restrictions at several airports. This coordinated attack involved over 200 drones and five U.S.-made ATACMS missiles, according to Russian officials.

Key Details of the Attack​

1. Targeted Regions:
   • The strikes affected several areas, including Saratov, Engels, and Kazan. In Engels, which hosts a critical air base for Russia's nuclear bombers, a drone attack damaged an industrial facility.
2. Damage Reports:
   • At least two factories were reported damaged in the attacks, and schools in Saratov and Engels were forced to switch to online classes due to safety concerns. Additionally, a gas storage site in Tatarstan was hit, causing fires and thick smoke.
3. Russian Response:
   • Russian authorities claimed to have intercepted more than 200 drones and the five ATACMS missiles during the assault. However, the extent of the damage and casualties remains unclear as the Russian defense ministry has not provided immediate details.
4. Flight Restrictions:
   • Flight operations were temporarily halted at airports in Kazan, Saratov, Penza, Ulyanovsk, and Nizhnekamsk due to the ongoing threat from drone strikes.
5. Context of Escalation:
   • This attack follows a previous Ukrainian strike on an oil depot in Saratov that caused extensive damage and a fire lasting five days. The recent escalation reflects ongoing tensions as both Ukraine and Russia ramp up their military operations ahead of significant political events, including the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
6. Strategic Implications:
   • The strikes are part of Ukraine's broader strategy to target Russian military infrastructure that supports its operations against Ukraine. Ukrainian officials have indicated that these operations are aimed at diminishing Russia's capacity to wage war.

Conclusion​

The overnight drone and missile assault by Ukraine marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict with Russia, highlighting both sides' willingness to intensify military operations. As both nations prepare for potential negotiations amid rising tensions, the implications of these strikes could have lasting effects on the conflict's trajectory and regional stability.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1879091909857096060

 

[RClarkTaylor]

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused the United States of orchestrating attacks on energy infrastructure, specifically targeting the TurkStream pipeline. He stated, “I have a firm belief that the United States wants no competitor in any field, starting with energy,” and claimed that the U.S. has given the green light for terrorist attacks that undermine the energy stability of the European Union.

Key Points​

1. Accusations Against the U.S.:
   • Lavrov alleges that the U.S. is behind efforts to sabotage energy pipelines, including urging Ukraine to attack the TurkStream pipeline, which is crucial for transporting Russian gas to Europe via Turkey. He framed these actions as part of a broader strategy to eliminate competition in the energy sector.
2. Recent Incidents:
   • The accusations come after reports of a drone attack on TurkStream infrastructure, which Russia claims was executed by Ukrainian forces. The Russian defense ministry stated that nine drones were fired at a gas compressor station but were intercepted before causing significant damage.
3. Context of Energy Security:
   • Lavrov's statements reflect ongoing tensions surrounding energy supplies in Europe, particularly as Russia has faced increasing sanctions and scrutiny over its energy exports since the invasion of Ukraine. The TurkStream pipeline is one of the last major conduits for Russian gas to Europe following widespread disruptions caused by geopolitical conflicts.
4. Historical Context:
   • This is not the first time Russia has accused Western nations, particularly the U.S., of undermining its energy interests. Previous incidents, such as the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, have been attributed by Russian officials to U.S.-backed operations aimed at destabilizing Russia’s economic position.
5. Implications for U.S.-Russia Relations:
   • Lavrov's comments are indicative of the deteriorating relations between Russia and the West, particularly as both sides engage in a war of narratives regarding responsibility for escalating tensions and conflicts over energy resources.

Conclusion​

The allegations made by Lavrov highlight the complex interplay between geopolitics and energy security in Europe. As tensions continue to rise over pipeline security and accusations of sabotage, the situation remains fluid, with significant implications for both regional stability and international relations. The focus on energy infrastructure underscores its critical role in shaping geopolitical dynamics amid ongoing conflicts.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1879105698673410476