RUNNING UPDATES ON THE CONFLICT IN UKRAINE - 23.01.2025
Including geopolitical issues affecting the balance of power in the ongoing end game war to establish our common future, a closely monitored prison planet or tolerance for diverse modes of governance.
TRUMP MUST ACHIEVE A SOLID UNDERSTANDING OF THE SITUATION IN UKRAINE & THE OVERWHELMING SUPERIORITY RUSSIA NOW HAS. IF NOT, HE IS IN FOR A BIG SHOCK.
COLLECTIVE WEST | RUSSIA
Trump threatens Russia with new sanctions.
Washington will also be looking into the possibility of sending additional weapons to Kiev, the US president has said.
US President Donald Trump has said that Washington could impose more sanctions on Russia if it refuses to engage in talks on settling the Ukraine conflict.
During his Tuesday press conference, Trump was asked if Russian President Vladimir Putin’s reluctance to negotiate will lead to additional curbs against Moscow - on top of the thousands of restrictions already introduced under Joe Biden.
“Sounds likely,” he replied.
Trump, who had been extremely critical of Biden for supplying military aid to Ukraine, did not rule out the possibility of Washington sending more weapons to Kiev during his tenure, saying: “Well, we will look into that.”
However, he insisted that Brussels should “equalize” with Washington when it comes to the amount of support it provides to Ukraine. “We are in there for $200 billion more than the EU. I mean, what are we, stupid? I guess the answer is ‘yes.’ They must think so,” the president said.
He again expressed a readiness to engage in discussions with Putin to end the fighting between Moscow and Kiev. “We are talking to [Ukrainian leader] Zelensky. We are gonna be talking with President Putin very soon and we will see how it all happens,” Trump stressed.
The US president called Putin “smart,” suggesting that the Ukraine conflict started because the Russian leader had “disrespected” Biden.
Trump also said that he’d urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to join efforts to stop the hostilities between Russia and Ukraine during their recent phone call.
“He has not done very much on that. He has got a lot of... power, like we have a lot of power. I said: ‘You ought to get it settled.’ We did discuss it,” he claimed.
During a Russian National Security Council meeting on Monday, Putin commended Trump’s intention to resume contacts between Russia and the US that had been halted under Biden. However, he stressed that dialogue can only happen on an “equal and mutually respectful basis.”
The authorities in Moscow have noted statements by the new US president and his team about their desire to restore communication links and “about the need to do everything to prevent World War Three,” the Russian leader stressed. “Of course, we welcome such an attitude and congratulate the elected US president on taking office,” he added.
The Kremlin said on Tuesday that Putin and Xi held a phone conversation, during which they discussed the Ukraine conflict, Western sanctions and Russia’s potential engagement with the Trump administration.
Trump will not agree to Kiev capitulating to Moscow – Russian analyst.
The US president wants to end the conflict quickly but not with a complete Ukrainian defeat, Dmitry Suslov has told RT.
US President Donald Trump will try to make good on his promise to quickly end the Ukraine conflict, but not at the cost of Kiev’s complete capitulation to Moscow, Dmitry Suslov, a member of the Russian Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, has told RT.
Trump, who was sworn in on Monday, has repeatedly pledged to resolve the Ukraine conflict through diplomacy, but provided few specifics, aside from wanting to arrange negotiations between Moscow and Kiev.
Suslov, deputy director for world economy and international politics at the Moscow-based Higher School of Economics, said that “the support for Ukraine has stopped being a priority for the US.”
“Trump’s interest is not to back Ukraine as an anti-Russian proxy, but to end the conflict as soon as possible, in order to free up resources for the fight against China,” he said.
At the same time, Suslov noted that it is still “unlikely that the US would allow Kiev to suffer a devastating defeat or would agree to Kiev’s capitulation” because “everyone would immediately use it against Trump, painting him as weak.”
Although the US and Russia will remain adversaries for the foreseeable future, Trump will attempt to re-establish “direct diplomacy,” Suslov predicted. “However, it is entirely unclear if the dialogue would quickly produce positive results, given that the Russian and American approaches to ending the conflict in Ukraine remain irreconcilable.”
“There are red lines, which no side wants to walk away from,” he stressed. Trump sees Ukraine as “a country with a strong military that is closely associated with the West,” while Russia insists that Ukraine must be transformed into a neutral state with significantly reduced Armed Forces.
“Trump is not abandoning America’s claims to global hegemony. But he is abandoning the liberal gloss that has been accompanying US politics since the end of the Cold War,” the researcher argued. “The Trump administration and Trump personally view the liberal international order and liberal concepts as something that weakens America, instead of making it stronger.”
Under Trump’s leadership, Washington will focus on the growing confrontation with China and on asserting US dominance in the Western Hemisphere, Suslov said. He added that Trump will revive the Monroe Doctrine – the policy of forestalling non-US influence in the Americas and the Caribbean.
Compared to his first term in office, Trump is now “more confident, collected and arrogant,” and enjoys a wider support in the Republican Party. “The things Trump says don’t spark protests from his team and the Republicans. His administration will act in unison,” Suslov said.
Russian forces advance on seven key positions: These battles will determine the fate of the conflict.
An overview of the frontline situation – the key areas from north to south.
Over the past month, the Russian military has advanced along seven directions in the Donbass and Kursk Region, with significant progress reported in key areas. The Kurakhovo operation in the western part of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) is nearing completion, while Russian forces are beginning to encircle the Pokrovsk urban agglomeration, further north. What follows is a detailed account of recent developments.
Kursk Region: Kiev's failed attack
In late 2024, Moscow's forces significantly reduced the Ukrainian military’s foothold in Kursk Region — part of 'old Russia' — mitigating threats and preventing the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) from advancing toward strategic locations like Lgov and Rylsk. The strategy of attrition warfare has kept this section of the front relatively static.
On January 5–6, approximately three Ukrainian battalions launched an attack on the settlement of Berdin. However, Russian troops detected their preparations early and executed counterattacks in the directions of Russkoye and Cherkasskoye, liberating Russkoye Porechnoye. Another counterattack targeted Malaya Loknya.
Photographic evidence indicates that a Ukrainian battalion was destroyed near Berdin, marking one of the AFU’s largest operations since the disastrous 2023 counteroffensive. Despite their efforts, the Ukrainian column failed to penetrate Russian minefields.
The front line remains stable following these engagements, with no signs of an imminent large-scale Russian push. Instead, attrition tactics are likely to persist until Ukrainian resources are depleted or a retreat is ordered.
Read more: Dmitry Trenin: How Russia plans to win in Ukraine
Toretsk and Chasov Yar: First steps toward Konstantinovka
Months of intense fighting for Toretsk and Chasov Yar in Donetsk have started to yield results. By mid-January, Russian forces had captured a fire-retardant factory in Chasov Yar, followed by the city center, including the city council building, by January 20. The western part of the city remains under Ukrainian control, but these gains position Russian forces closer to Konstantinovka, a major target with a pre-war population of 75,000. But in order to advance in this direction, the Russian army needs to expand the area of control along the Seversky Donets-Donbass canal.
In Toretsk, Russian forces captured the Tsentralnaya mine, the city center, and multiple residential areas. The AFU retains control over the Toretskaya mine and parts of Krymskoye in the northeast. Securing Toretsk allows Russian troops to move towards Konstantinovka, which is 10–11 km further along the railway line.
However, operations in these areas face challenges. In Chasov Yar, supply routes via the Seversky Donets-Donbass canal are problematic due to the canal’s depth, which reaches up to ten meters in places. Meanwhile, Toretsk’s dense urban development and challenging terrain complicate Russian advances. Despite these hurdles, progress in these sectors marks steady, albeit incremental, gains.
Pokrovsk-Mirnograd: Encirclement in Progress
Pokrovsk is emerging as a focal point for Russia’s next major offensive following the Kurakhovo operation. The strategy appears to follow a familiar pattern: encircling the city, establishing fire control over supply routes, and depleting the Ukrainian garrison’s resources.
The southern flank of Pokrovsk was formed after the capture of Selidovo in late October 2024. This area also serves as the northern flank of Kurakhovo. Indicators suggest that Pokrovsk and Mirnograd — together forming an urban area of over 100,000 people — will be targeted as a single entity.
In January, Russian units advanced toward the Pokrovsk–Mezhevaya highway in the south and the village of Vozdvizhenka in the north, cutting off the Pokrovsk–Konstantinovka highway. These maneuvers are initial steps toward encircling Pokrovsk and Mirnograd while demonstrating the potential for a broader offensive that could extend into the Dnepropetrovsk region for the first time since 2022.
Kurakhovo: The final phase of the operation
The Kurakhovo operation began on October 1, 2024, with the capture of Ugledar. On January 6, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the liberation of Kurakhovo and its extensive industrial zone. Russian troops entered the western part of the industrial zone around New Year’s Eve, facing minimal resistance as the weakened Ukrainian garrison abandoned its positions.
Over the course of three months, Russian forces systematically surrounded the city from three sides, establishing fire control over supply lines and forcing the AFU into retreat. The flanks extended 10–15 km west, encircling Ukrainian forces outside fortified urban and industrial zones.
The operation is not yet complete, however. The capture of Andreevka and Konstantinovka is essential to stabilize the front line and fully secure this strategic area.
Broader Strategic Observations
Russian advances over the past month highlight a methodical approach characterized by encirclement, resource depletion, and steady territorial gains. While operations in Toretsk and Chasov Yar underscore the challenges of urban combat and logistical constraints, progress in Pokrovsk and Kurakhovo demonstrates the effectiveness of Russia’s offensive strategies.
The capture of Kurakhovo and advances toward Pokrovsk and Mirnograd could pave the way for operations extending into Dnepropetrovsk for the first time since 2022, potentially altering the strategic landscape.
As the conflict continues, the effectiveness of Russia’s strategy — coupled with its ability to manage logistical and operational challenges — will play a decisive role. For now, the focus remains on consolidating gains, securing supply lines, and preparing for the next phase of operations.
ALEXANDER MERCOURIS of THE DURAN: Trump Blocks Ukraine Arms, Threatens Russia; Moscow Rejects Threats, Zelensky Ukraine Betrayed.
ALEX CHRISTOFOROU of THE DURAN: DUDA, Putin must beg. TRUMP, doing Putin BIG favor. LEX, interview Putin. Belarus is Putin weakness.
RACHEL BLEVINS: Trump Threatens Putin with More Sanctions, Proves He Learned Nothing from Biden’s Mistakes.
REDACTED: TRUMP JUST SENT PUTIN AN ULTIMATUM ON WAR, ZELENSKY PUSHES FOR U.S. BOOTS ON THE GROUND.
DANIEL DAVIS: There's No Happy Ending for Ukraine.
LARRY JOHNSON: Trump's First 48 Hours: The Good, Bad & the Ugly.
SEBASTIAN SAS: US Foreign Aid Freeze DOESN'T STOP Ukraine's Weapons Flow.
The Final Phase - Why Russia's Breakthrough Changes Everything in Ukraine. 🔥
JIMMY DORE: “The LA Fires Are PUTIN’S Fault!”
COLLECTIVE WEST | GLOBAL MAJORITY
BREAKTHROUGH NEWS: Trump’s Monroe Doctrine 2.0: Cuba, Venezuela Targeted in Hybrid War.
PHIL GIRALDI: Does Trump Care About Gaza?
ANYA PARAMPIL: Does Trump Understand Latin America?
AARON MATÉ : Can Netanyahu Survive Trump?
BRIAN BERLETIC of THE NEW ATLAS: Anduril's New "Arsenal 1" Arms Factory: Selling Fear of China to Profit at "Hyperscale."
DIMITRI LASCARIS - ALON MIZRAHI: 'Israel Must Be Dismantled.'
COLLECTIVE WEST | BRICS
Russia-China Meeting to Strengthen Ties.
SEBASTIAN SAS: Trump's Message BACKFIRES As Russia And China Get Closer.
JAMARL THOMAS - CARL ZHA: Xi Jingping v Trump: China's Strategy To Confront Trump's Threat. Why US Hates China?
BRICS Expansion: Cuba and Bolivia's Defining Moment.
JAMARL THOMAS - CARL ZHA: Trump Is Globalism's Doom As Putin And Xi Jingping Reaffirm Their Committments In Call.
GEOPOLITICAL TRENDS: Intimidation or What: Rubio's Bold Warning to China w/ subservient Japan, India & Australia!
USA
GEORGE GALLOWAY: TRUMP 2.0 - MOATS.
RAY MCGOVERN: Trump Criticizes Bishop's Immigrant Plea at Church - Is Trump Losing His Peace Drive?
KIM IVERSEN: Is This Even Legal? Trump’s Push to End Birthright Citizenship.
BREAKING POINTS: PANIC In Chicago As ICE Raids Begin.
What are Biden's Pardons Shielding His Family Members From?
Former US President Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons to his siblings and their spouses before leaving office, alleging they were "targeted by politically motivated investigations."
James Biden, Joe's Brother, and Sara Jones Biden, James' Wife
Entrepreneur James Biden faced accusations of capitalizing on the Biden name as he reportedly tried to set up a joint venture with a Chinese energy company in 2017.
House Republicans referred to two checks worth $40,000 and $200,000 from James Biden and his wife to the US president in 2017 and 2018 entitled "loan repayments."
Seperately, in a June 2024 letter to the Justice Department, House Republicans accused James Biden and Joe Biden’s son Hunter of making false statements to Congress as part of GOP members’ impeachment inquiry against Joe Biden;
James and his wife were reportedly recorded by the FBI in connection with a 1998 bribery probe into a Mississippi trial attorney who was considering a business partnership with James Biden.
Francis Biden, Joe's Another Brother
He drew attention for linking himself to Joe Biden in a 2021 ad for a Florida law firm. The White House warned at the time that the president’s name shouldn’t be used in connection with any commercial activities.
Valerie Biden Owens, Joe Biden's Sister and John Owens, Her Husband
It remains unclear why Joe Biden pardoned the couple given a lack of controversy surrounding their activities. Valerie Owens was the campaign manager for Joe Biden’s 1988 and 2008 presidential campaigns, as well as a senior advisor to his successful 2020 presidential campaign.
Hunter Biden
Joe Biden issued an unconditional pardon for his son in early December. Hunter was scheduled to be sentenced for his conviction for federal gun charges, as well as in a separate criminal case in which he pleaded guilty to tax evasion.
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MAPPING CHANNEL UPDATES
Cold War II, Velyka Novosilka Divided Into Pieces, Huge Force Concentration Destroyed. MS 2025.01.23
Ukraine War Update: Russian BREAKTHROUGH To Key Kursk Defense Hub.
[ Battlefield Analysis - Velyka Novosilka ] Encirclement with one, very difficult way out.
Velyka Novosilka Completely Collapsed l Russia Storms Velyka Novosilka From All Sides.
A Big Mistake: Trump Issued An Ultimatum To Putin, Russians Advance In Velyka Novosilka. MS 2025.01.23
Critical Situation 'Not Enough Soldiers to Fight' | Deadly Delusion | Russia's Real Goal - UA Update.
Russian Forces Exploit Critical Gaps in Ukrainian Defenses.
GROK PICS
RUSSIA / BELARUS - EXPATS IN RUSSIA
Moscow through my eyes.
U.S. Veteran Didn’t Expect to Find This in Rural Russia.
REAL MOSCOW: A walk through Khamovniki district.
Roads of Lahoysk, Belarus 4K | A trip through the city streets.
VICTORY BELONGS TO RUSSIA: IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME
Each day that passes makes a conclusive Russian victory in the Donbass and beyond more certain. As Russia bolsters her forces, and weaponry, those of Ukraine decrease. Russian forces gain ready access to rest and recuperation as troop numbers increase. The increasingly exhausted and demoralised Ukrainian troops have an ever decreasing prospect of such respite. This situation is likely to bring them to complete breakdown as Russia unleashes the firepower of the more modern and advanced weaponry that is arriving with the newly mobilised Russian troops.
The various Ukrainian offensives are now weak when confronted by the reinforced Russian lines. A few futile efforts achieve quite miserable results before fire reigns down on the Ukrainian troops and they are forced back to their starting positions.
And now, all this being said, we have arrived at the wet, and later, freezing conditions where these pathetic Ukrainian forces will be subject to myriad forms of abject misery with death and injury all around them while they lie sodden or frozen, abandoned to their fate by Kiev.
The pitiable young and old of Ukraine have been frogmarched to their deaths as cannon-fodder while the bestial elites of the collective West urge their "president" to add more to their number there at the gates of Hell and their doom. We must feel for the majority of them as they are not the Nazis we revile, in most part they are decent men, fathers, sons, brothers, husband and uncles, who no doubt saw through the coup of 2014 for what it was. But sadly, their fate seems sealed.
Nothing will stop Russia now. Every factor favours them. Victory will be Russia's. In Donbass and beyond and in due course across the world.
Victory belongs to Russia: It is now only a matter of time.
TRUMP MUST ACHIEVE A SOLID UNDERSTANDING OF THE SITUATION IN UKRAINE & THE OVERWHELMING SUPERIORITY RUSSIA NOW HAS. IF NOT, HE IS IN FOR A BIG SHOCK.
It is just hopeless…..”US President Donald Trump has said that Washington could impose more sanctions on Russia if it refuses to engage in talks on settling the Ukraine conflict.”