Ukrainian forces are on the defensive, under constant attack from Russian forces. Commander Zhydkov reports that holding positions is difficult due to the fierce daily assaults, with tank guns occasionally overheating. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urges the EU to quickly initiate accession negotiations as a demonstration of support.
After a hacker attack, Ukraine's largest mobile phone provider, Kyivstar, may require several weeks to restore all services. In a separate incident, Russia is believed to be responsible for the cyber attack on Kyivstar, with a hacker group linked to Russian military intelligence taking responsibility.
Russian intelligence claims a Russian airborne division suffered heavy losses during combat in Kherson Oblast. British intelligence agrees, citing inadequate support from the air force and artillery, as well as reported inexperience among troops.
Igor Girkin, a former separatist leader in Moscow, stood trial for "public calls to extremism" following his arrest in July. The trial began behind closed doors, and Girkin, a critic of the Kremlin's military leadership, intends to challenge Putin in the next presidential election.
The Ukrainian Air Force struggles with deteriorating weather conditions, making mobile fireteam operations more challenging. In response, President Putin maintains that the war against Ukraine will continue, although a new government friendly to Russia is expected to take power in Kiev.
Amidst these developments, Ukraine's armed forces boast that they have inflicted significant losses on Russian forces, with 1300 soldiers allegedly killed and 10 tanks knocked out in the past 24 hours.
- Russia and Ukraine continue to engage in a complex conflict with both sides experiencing military and territorial losses.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pleads for quick EU accession negotiations as a symbol of support.
- Ukraine's mobile phone provider, Kyivstar, is likely to take several weeks to restore services following a cyber attack.
- Russian intelligence claims heavy losses in a combat action, while British intelligence corroborates this information.
- Igor Girkin, a former separatist leader, stands trial for public calls to extremism, while intending to challenge Putin in the next presidential election.
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Adapted Enrichment Data:
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in significant losses for both sides. As of January 2025, Russia had lost over 700,000 troops, while Ukraine had lost around 400,000. Russia has focused on infantry-led assaults to address equipment shortages, including deploying wounded and unfit soldiers and offering higher recruitment bonuses. Meanwhile, Ukraine relies on international support and applies offensive pressure by targeting Russian infrastructure. Despite diplomatic efforts, including talks in Saudi Arabia, a resolution to the conflict has yet to be achieved.
