Victory Chronicles-DAY 1059

Ukrainian airborne troops and other military units recently took 27 Russian soldiers prisoners, including sergeants and officers, the airborne command said on Facebook. Russian soldiers from motorized rifle units, marines, airborne troops and other military units, representatives of various regions of Russia and the temporarily occupied city of Sevastopol in the Crimean Peninsula were taken captive. 

The captives voluntarily disarmed themselves and gave up, the communications department of the Airborne Assault Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said on Jan. 16. Ukraine initially invaded the neighboring Russian region of Kursk in August and again launched an offensive this month there. Experts say Kyiv plans to use the occupied part of the region as leverage in any future peace negotiations with Moscow. 

In his first visit to Ukraine, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged a century-long agreement for bilateral cooperation on defense, including maritime security and technology projects, including drones. He promised to provide $3.6 billion in security assistance this year during his visit as Russian drones targeted Kyiv on Jan. 16, the same day he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Some 150 artillery units were promised as well as a new air defense system. 

“Peace through strength,” Starmer tweeted. “Our 100 Year Partnership is a promise that we are with you, not just today or tomorrow, but for a hundred years – long after this war is over and Ukraine is free and thriving once again.”

Sources: Associated Press, personal X page of Keir Starmer, Newsweek

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (center) is greeted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (left), and Ukrainian Ambassador to Britain Valeriy Zaluzhnyi (far right) on Jan. 16 at the main train station in Kyiv during a visit that saw Russian drones target the capital. His first visit to Ukraine, Starmer pledged $3.6 billion in security assistance this year and a 100-year-old security pact. 

North Koreans make fighting in Kursk region more brutal

More than 10,000 North Korean soldiers have joined Russian forces in an attempt to oust occupying Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region. To prevent Kyiv from using the region as leverage in any future peace talks, Russia is throwing everything at it. About 12,000 North Korean soldiers have joined the fray and managed to recapture chunks of territory that was lost in August when Ukraine first invaded. 

Source: Kanal 13

Key Takeaways:

• Russian forces conducted a large series of missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure on the night of January 14 to 15.
• Ukraine and Russia conducted a one-for-one prisoner of war (POW) exchange on January 15, their first POW exchange in 2025.
• A Russian source claimed that Ukrainian drone and artillery capabilities are providing Ukrainian tanks with tactical advantages over Russian tanks in unspecified, select areas of the frontline.
• Transnistrian President Vadim Krasnoselsky announced on January 15 that Russia will soon provide Transnistria with gas as “humanitarian aid” but did not specify the delivery date or method.
• Armenia continues to enhance its relations with Western partners amid waning relations with Russia.
• Russian forces recently advanced in the Borova, Chasiv Yar, and Toretsk directions.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on January 15 that about 600,000 Russian soldiers are currently operating in Ukraine.

Yevhen Khomenko of the Dnipropetrovsk region died of his wounds in 2018 while serving in the Azov regiment. He was 19 years old when he joined to defend Ukraine and died a year later from a concussion. 

“Everyone who knew…him noted the extraordinary optimism, friendliness, and cheerfulness he radiated. He had a wonderful sense of humor, remained positive even in difficult circumstances, and always supported everyone around him with his smile and jokes,” a fellow comrade-in-arms says on the Azov webpage. 

• Newsweek: Ukraine war map shows Russian gains in four critical areas
• Sky News: European leaders are now talking about peace in Ukraine rather than war
• CNN: Russia’s growing ties with Iran have shaped war in Ukraine. A new treaty will raise the stakes for Trump’s administration
• Umerov: Italy’s upcoming military aid package to Ukraine includes ‘modern weaponry
• Defense Express: What are these new air defense systems the UK is sending to Ukraine?