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How to break the Kremlin’s spell on the Latin American Left. There is an explanation to why the progressive, decolonial left is paradoxically justifying Russia’s colonial aggression against Ukraine |
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How Ukraine can help itself in America’s disunited States. With GOP discord on defense aid, Ukraine must energize industry and voters for the long-term backing vital to resist Russian aggression. |
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Acclaimed poet killed defending Ukraine. Maksym Kryvtsov embodied the courage and sacrifice of Ukraine’s post-independence generation, only to fall while defending his ideals. |
Military
Air Force: Ukraine downed 25 Russian Kinzhal missiles since all-out war outset. Since Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine started, they’ve launched 63 Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, but Ukraine says its forces have intercepted 25 out of the 63 using Patriot air defense systems.
Russia bombed occupied Rubizhne in Luhansk Oblast. Russian aircraft accidentally releases a 250-kilogram bomb on the Russian-occupied Rubizjne, Luhansk Oblast. This is the second incident of this kind in less than a week – earlier, a Russian missile hit a village in Russia during an aerial attack against Ukraine.
Official: Ukrainians destroy partially built railway bridge near occupied Mariupol. Ukrainian military strikes destroyed a railway bridge Russia built to link occupied Mariupol to a broader network, hindering logistics improvement plans as reported by the exiled city council.
Syrskyi: Intense fighting continues in Kupiansk direction as Ukraine counters Russian assaults. General Oleksandr Syrskyi described the situation in this area as challenging, characterized by intense combat that began in October 2023 and has since been marked by relentless, fierce fighting.
Military: Russia keeps 19,000 troops on Ukraine’s northern border. Approximately 19,000 Russian troops are stationed along the Russian side of the borders with Ukraine’s Sumy and Chernihiv oblasts.
As of 08 Jan 2024, the approximate losses of weapons and military equipment of the Russian Armed Forces from the beginning of the invasion to the present day:
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- Personnel: 365170 (+440)
- Tanks: 6031 (+9)
- APV: 11194 (+14)
- Artillery systems: 8666 (+13)
- MLRS: 953 (+2)
- Anti-aircraft systems: 638 (+1)
- Aircraft: 329
- Helicopters: 324
- UAV: 6822 (+11)
- Cruise missiles : 1787 (+1)
- Warships/boats: 23
- Submarines: 1
- Vehicles and fuel tanks: 11542 (+19)
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Intelligence and technology
Ukraine’s military intelligence seizes classified data from Russian drone manufacturer. This database, estimated to be worth $1.5 billion, includes documentation on 194 inventory items: blueprints, technical tasks, patents, software, etc.
International
Scholz urges EU allies to ramp up military aid to Ukraine. “I call on allies in the European Union to strengthen their efforts regarding Ukraine. The planned weapons deliveries to Ukraine of most EU member states are not enough,” German Chancellor said.
Qatar contributes $20 million to “Grain from Ukraine” initiative. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy highlighted Qatar’s contribution and assured that Ukraine, despite Russia’s attempts to disrupt peaceful navigation in the Black Sea, will continue to guarantee global food security.
Humanitarian and social impact
Russia’s massive missile attack on Ukraine kills at least four, injures 34 civilians. Widespread Russian missile strikes across Ukraine target civilian areas on 8 January, killing at least 4 and wounding 34. The attack targeted multiple cities, including Kryvyi Rih, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, Zmiiv, Novomoskovsk. Air defenses intercept some missiles.
New developments
Minister: Ukraine exports 15 mn tons of cargo via Black Sea corridor in five months amid Russia’s blockade. Amid Russia’s ongoing sea blockade of Ukraine’s ports, Ukraine has shipped 15 million tons of cargo over five months using newly established temporary routes after Russia’s withdrawal from the UN-brokered grain deal.
Read the daily review for 7 January 2024 here
