Ukraine War Update NEWS: Pt 1 - Overnight & Other News
Table of Contents 📖
| Topic ID | Topic Title | Timestamp |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hello Team | 00:00-00:31⏩ |
| 2 | Ukrainian General Staff Figures: Russian Losses | 00:32-04:17⏩ |
| 3 | Oryx Figures: Verified Losses | 04:18-07:02⏩ |
| 4 | Andrew Perpetua Figures: Ukrainian Losses | 07:02-08:11⏩ |
| 5 | Andrew Perpetua Figures: Ukrainian Losses - Detail | 08:11-09:37⏩ |
| 6 | Andrew Perpetua Figures: Ukrainian Losses - Leopard 2A4 | 09:37-10:14⏩ |
| 7 | Andrew Perpetua Figures: Ukrainian Losses - Other | 10:15-11:31⏩ |
| 8 | Andrew Perpetua Figures: Russian Losses | 11:32-12:45⏩ |
| 9 | Kursk Update: Zelensky Statement | 12:46-13:41⏩ |
| 10 | Kursk Update: Stryker Footage | 13:42-15:12⏩ |
| 11 | Kursk Update: Ukrainian Drone Usage | 15:12-15:49⏩ Return to top⤴️ Jonathan references a statement from Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi that Ukrainian drone operators hit over 54,000 enemy targets in December 2024, with 49% of strikes carried out by kamikaze drones. Jonathan notes that this equates to approximately 27,000 kamikaze drones used in one month. Return to top⤴️ Kursk Update: North Korean Koksan Self-Propelled Gun |
| 13 | Kherson: Humanitarian Situation | 16:41-17:35⏩ Return to top⤴️ Jonathan discusses the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Kherson, referencing comments from Tim White. Jonathan describes Kherson as a dying city, with many areas deserted and buildings boarded up. He notes that the situation has become increasingly untenable for residents due to the use of drones to target civilians in what has been called a "human safari." Return to top⤴️ Kherson: Tim White Commentary |
| 15 | Distance Strikes: затишшя | 18:44-19:17⏩ Return to top⤴️ Jonathan reports on another quiet night for distance strikes, with no strikes by Ukraine on Russia and a "pain-free" night for Ukrainian air defences. Tim White reports that 38 attack drones were sent by Russia, with 28 shot down and 10 taken out by electronic warfare, resulting in a 100% interception rate. Return to top⤴️ Distance Strikes: Ukrainian F-16 Pilot Shoots Down Six Cruise MissilesReturn to top⤴️ Jonathan reports on a "first" for the Ukrainian Air Force: a Ukrainian F-16 pilot shot down six Russian cruise missiles in a single sortie during an attack on December 13th, 2024. Jonathan discusses the various ways cruise missiles can be shot down and wonders which method is the most cost-effective or readily available. Return to top⤴️ Distance Strikes: Missile Strike in Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, Rostov RegionReturn to top⤴️ Jonathan reports on a missile strike in Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, Rostov region, which targeted military technical storage facilities connected to the FKP Kamensky plant. This plant was previously hit by Storm Shadow missiles on December 18th. Jonathan notes that the extent of the damage and the exact purpose of the warehouse are unknown. Return to top⤴️ Distance Strikes: Naval Drones Used to Launch Aerial DronesReturn to top⤴️ Jonathan reports on another "first": Ukraine used naval drones to launch FPV drones that hit air defence positions in Skadovsk. Jonathan explains that this is likely why the Ukrainian Navy claimed the destruction of several air defence positions yesterday. Jonathan details that a Ukrainian FPV drone was launched from a Ukrainian naval drone, travelled to the Skadovsk area, and hit a Russian Pantsir S1 surface-to-air missile system. Jonathan praises the ingenuity of this tactic. This is the first operation of this kind, following an earlier reported operation a month ago. Jonathan notes that this strike demonstrates the capabilities and efficiency of Ukrainian drone warfare. Return to top⤴️ Other News: Russian Troops Kill Three Ukrainian POWs in Donetsk |
| 20 | Other News: Wagner Group Commander Anton "Lotus" Yelizarov Fired | 24:01-25:22⏩ Return to top⤴️ Jonathan reports that Wagner Group military commander Anton "Lotus" Yelizarov has been fired, allegedly due to interpersonal conflicts and Wagner's defeats in Africa in 2024. Jonathan notes that Yelizarov reportedly left the Wagner Group before the new year at the instigation of Yevgeny Prigozhin's son, Pavel, who took over Wagner following his father's death in August 2023. Return to top⤴️ Other News: TV Recommendations - "The Bureau" and "The Agency"Return to top⤴️ Jonathan recommends two French TV series: "Engrenages" ("Spiral"), a police drama set in Paris, and "Le Bureau des Légendes" ("The Bureau"), which he describes as one of his favourite series of all time. He then mentions a new American-British remake of "The Bureau" called "The Agency," starring Michael Fassbender. Jonathan explains that "The Agency" is set in London and features storylines involving Ukraine, Belarus, and a character based on Yevgeny Prigozhin. Jonathan recommends "The Agency" for its relevance to current events and its complex spy-geopolitical themes. Return to top⤴️ Other News: Wagner Group Leadership ChangesReturn to top⤴️ Jonathan discusses further details about the dismissal of Anton "Lotus" Yelizarov from the Wagner Group, referencing comments from Kasia Varova. Varova claims that Yelizarov was chosen as brigade commander without the presence of all commanders and that he flew to Russia to be the first to be near Yevgeny Prigozhin's son after Prigozhin's death. Varova also states that after Yelizarov became head of the PMC Wagner, the entire main commanding staff left the company, along with their fighters. She further alleges that an attempt by the PMC Wagner to join under the banners of the Rotskavadia failed due to Yelizarov's unrealistic demands. Varova also mentions the deaths of Wagner fighters in Mali due to Yelizarov's incompetent approach. Return to top⤴️ Other News: Potential New Wagner Group CommanderReturn to top⤴️ Jonathan reports on a potential new commander for the Wagner Group: Dmitry Podolsky, callsign "Salem." Podolsky is said to be a former GRU special forces soldier with numerous awards for bravery. He reportedly fought with Russian forces in Syria and later with the Wagner Group near Bakhmut, where he was seriously wounded. In 2024, he was appointed as a security advisor to the President of the Central African Republic. Return to top⤴️ Other News: Loss of Coal Mining Operation in PishchanyReturn to top⤴️ Jonathan references a report from Christopher Miller of the Financial Times that Russian forces have taken at least part of the grounds of Ukraine's largest coking coal mining operation, located in Pishchany, just southwest of Pokrovsk. Jonathan notes that this is a big blow to the country's steel production industry and that the mine had previously been closed down. Return to top⤴️ Other News: General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov Sent to KurskReturn to top⤴️ Jonathan reports that Putin has sent General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, Deputy Defence Minister, to head Russia's border defences in Kursk and lead Moscow's mercenary projects in Africa. Return to top⤴️ Other News: Kursk Update - 100 Russian Assaults RepelledReturn to top⤴️ Jonathan reports that Ukrainian forces repelled 94 Russian ground assaults in the Kursk Oblast over the past day, according to the General Staff. Jonathan speculates that this may be a deliberate tactic by Ukraine to lure Russian forces out. Return to top⤴️ Other News: Kursk Update - Russians Strike SudzhaReturn to top⤴️ Jonathan reports that Russian forces have struck Sudzha, a town in the Kursk region that had been taken by Ukrainian forces. Jonathan notes that local residents are not happy about this, as evidenced by comments from Russians still living in Sudzha. Jonathan includes a quote from one resident: "Well, well, well, exactly according to plan, Russian cities with Russian bombs." Return to top⤴️ Other News: Heating Failures in Yakutia, RussiaReturn to top⤴️ Jonathan reports on heating failures in Zhigansk, Yakutia, Russia, where residents are left without heating in -50 degree Celsius temperatures due to a communal accident. Jonathan notes that only five of the eight boilers in the boiler house are operating and that residents are asking for help from the Minister of Housing and Utilities. Jonathan includes a quote from Margarita Nifontova, Assistant State Councillor of Yakutia: "There is no need for war. We'll freeze to death here." Jonathan suggests that this comment may be a dig at the war and the misallocation of funds. Return to top⤴️ Other News: Inflation in RussiaReturn to top⤴️ Jonathan discusses rising inflation in Russia, referencing comments from Anton Gerashchenko. Jonathan notes that inflation is growing as Putin throws more money into the war and that monthly inflation in November was 1.5%, with forecasts of over 2% for December. Jonathan includes a quote from Russian economist Shiraev: "Therefore, growth of 75% for everything is a working forecast, not pessimistic or optimistic, but working." Return to top⤴️ Other News: Engine Failures on Russian AirlinersReturn to top⤴️ Jonathan reports on engine failures on two Russian airliners shortly after takeoff, affecting a Ural Airlines plane and a North Star Airlines plane. Jonathan notes that both planes have been grounded for technical inspections and that the Russian aviation industry is still suffering under sanctions. Return to top⤴️ Other News: Ukrainian Farmer's StoryReturn to top⤴️ Jonathan discusses the story of Anna, a Ukrainian farmer whose farm was destroyed by Russian forces. Jonathan notes that half of her cows were killed, her farm was destroyed, and her family was held hostage and tortured. Despite this, Anna is determined to rebuild her farm. Jonathan mentions a book published by Euromaidan Press called "Godforsaken Villages" that tells the stories of occupied villages in Ukraine. Return to top⤴️ Other News: Ukraine Will Not Force Return of Citizens from AbroadReturn to top⤴️ Jonathan reports that Ukraine will not enforce the return of citizens from abroad, according to Minister of Unity Oleksii Chernyshov. Jonathan notes that the return process is entirely voluntary and that Ukraine will celebrate the success of Ukrainians abroad if they find their place there. Jonathan suggests that this is a surprising claim, given expectations that Ukraine would try to forcibly repatriate Ukrainians. Return to top⤴️ Other News: JNT Politico on KhersonReturn to top⤴️ Jonathan references a comment from JNT Politico on one of his previous videos. JNT Politico reports that Russia is attempting to gain a foothold in the Kherson region but that they are not making any significant progress. JNT Politico thanks the US, Sweden, and Finland for providing boats to Ukraine, stating that these boats are crucial for the defence of Kherson. Return to top⤴️ Other News: JNT Politico on Russian Tactics in KhersonReturn to top⤴️ JNT Politico reports that Russian forces are active in the southern region and Crimea but that they do not appear to be launching a major offensive. JNT Politico notes that Russia is using a lot of non-amphibious boats, ATVs, and motorcycles and that Ukraine has a drone advantage. JNT Politico believes that any attempt by Russia to gain a foothold in Kherson would be a "suicide move." Return to top⤴️ Other News: Andrew Perpetua on "Manufactured" Bad NewsReturn to top⤴️ Jonathan references a comment from Andrew Perpetua, who suggests that a lot of bad news in Ukraine is being manufactured for several reasons: to force changes in military and governmental structures, to appease Trump, and to unite the Ukrainian people. Jonathan explains that this involves over-egging how bad things are in order to get problems addressed. Return to top⤴️ Other News: Andrew Perpetua on Cycle of PositivityReturn to top⤴️ Andrew Perpetua suggests that Ukraine may be entering a "cycle of positivity" leading up to Trump's inauguration, where problems are addressed and things improve, generating a sense of optimism. Jonathan expresses some scepticism about this idea but invites viewers to share their thoughts. Return to top⤴️ Wrap up |
"The thing people don't understand is that a lot of bad news in Ukraine is being manufactured for several reasons. First, people recognize a need to change military structure and governmental structures, and these can only be fixed if people are upset about them."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:31⏩
Jonathan introduces the first of the Ukraine War News Updates for the 7th of January 2025 and mentions the high Russian loss figures from the Ukrainian general staff. He notes all the usual caveats apply to these figures which can be found in the description below the video.
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🪦 DISCLAIMER FOR GENERAL STAFF LOSSES DATA
- These are real people with real lives and real families who love them. Don’t let the numbers sap your humanity.
- These numbers probably aren’t accurate but they’re the best we have and we don’t need them to be accurate to be indicative of patterns of activity.
- All losses are estimates. Losses cannot be counted with accuracy because of the conditions on the ground.
- Both sides would see it to be of their advantage to minimize their own losses maximize the other side’s losses.
- Neither side releases their losses but we have enough transparency from the Ukrainian side to have confidence in they are indicative.
- Personnel losses are hard to count. If a soldier gets injured, heals up, and returns to the front line only to get injured again, is that one loss or two? Also, how to deal with losses from PMC’s or soldiers fighting with RF from occupied territories?
- Equipment losses are hard to count. If an AA complex involves several parts and one part gets disabled, is that a loss, or a fraction of a loss? If a tank gets disabled, repaired, back into the fight, then disabled again, is that one lost tank or two?
- All recorded losses are vulnerable to multiple reporting. We have already seen numerous cases of multiple drones in the air reporting the same loss from different angles as multiple engagements.
- Losses are not always reported on the same day they occurred. It is frequent that drone losses are reported at least 24 hours after other terrestrial equipment losses. Certain losses may not be reported for days or weeks for military intelligence reasons.
Ukrainian General Staff Figures: Russian Losses
🎦 00:32-04:17⏩
Jonathan discusses the Ukrainian general staff figures released for 6th January 2025:
- Personnel: 1,970 personnel lost (killed, wounded, deserted or captured). Jonathan believes this figure to be a guesstimation but useful for identifying trends. This figure is 400 more than the previous day suggesting that there are some hot spots along the front line.
- Tanks: 10 tanks lost (above daily average).
- Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 25 AFVs lost (above daily average).
- Artillery: 45 artillery systems lost (a very high number).
- Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS): 2 MLRS lost.
- Anti-Aircraft Systems: 4 anti-aircraft systems lost. Jonathan notes that 5 were lost the previous day according to video footage.
- Vehicles and Fuel Tanks: 170 vehicles and fuel tanks lost (close to record losses).
- Drones: The 7-day rolling average for drone losses is at a record high.
- Cruise Missiles: There is a discrepancy between figures from the Ukrainian general staff and Dell (who analyses the figures). Dell has noted an additional 8 cruise missiles that were not included on the infographic. Jonathan believes this could be due to the Ukrainian general staff amending their figures based on previous data.
Oryx Figures: Verified Losses
🎦 04:18-07:02⏩
Jonathan discusses a comment from Jakub Janowski who runs the Oryx OSINT website regarding the discrepancy between the number of losses reported by Ukraine and the amount of visual evidence of losses. Janowski states that the amount of visual evidence has dropped off significantly in recent months, increasing the level of uncertainty about the amount of real losses. Jonathan notes that this could be because operational security prevents the release of footage onto social media. Jonathan is interested to hear what Andrew Perpetua thinks about this, as his figures (based on visual confirmation) do not show the same discrepancy. Jonathan notes that Andrew Perpetua's figures for 6th January 2025 show a record 408 personnel losses based on video feeds.
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Andrew Perpetua Figures: Ukrainian Losses
🎦 07:02-08:11⏩
Jonathan discusses Andrew Perpetua's figures for Ukrainian losses, noting that there is parity between Ukrainian and Russian losses. Jonathan had predicted this due to the Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk sector. Jonathan notes that a number of vehicles included in the figures are civilian vehicles targeted by Russians.
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Andrew Perpetua Figures: Ukrainian Losses - Detail
🎦 08:11-09:37⏩
Jonathan discusses the detail of Ukrainian losses:
- S-300 Air Defence Command Post: Destroyed by a missile strike.
- M577 Command and Control Vehicle: Abandoned after falling into a ditch, then hit by a drone.
- 2 x 2S22 Bohdana Self-Propelled Howitzers: One hit by a Lancet drone, one by a FPV drone. Both damaged. Jonathan notes that Bohdanas are being produced at a rate of 12 per month.
Andrew Perpetua Figures: Ukrainian Losses - Leopard 2A4
🎦 09:37-10:14⏩
- Leopard 2A4: Destroyed after falling into a trench and being hit by a FPV drone. Jonathan notes the difficulty of operating in the fog of war and the limited visibility in these vehicles.
Andrew Perpetua Figures: Ukrainian Losses - Other
🎦 10:15-11:31⏩
Jonathan discusses other Ukrainian losses:
- T-72 Tank: One destroyed, one damaged.
- Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs): Four BMP-1s lost. Jonathan notes that it is better to lose older Soviet-era vehicles, but ideally, Ukraine would be using the best vehicles possible.
- Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs): Five M113s lost (all destroyed or abandoned).
- MRAPs: All destroyed or abandoned.
- Infantry Mobility Vehicles: Two out of three destroyed or abandoned.
Jonathan concludes that the loss of the S-300 command post and Leopard 2A4 tank are particularly significant.
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Andrew Perpetua Figures: Russian Losses
🎦 11:32-12:45⏩
Jonathan discusses the detail of Russian losses from Andrew Perpetua's figures:
- Buk-M1 and Buk M1-2 Anti-Aircraft Systems: One destroyed.
- Pantsir S1 Anti-Aircraft System: One damaged by a night vision drone.
- Engineering Vehicle: One lost.
- Artillery: Three artillery pieces lost, including a 2S7 Pion (video footage available).
- Tanks: Four tanks lost (mostly destroyed).
- IFVs: Six IFVs lost (mostly destroyed).
- APCs: One lost.
- Trucks: Several lost.
- Civilian Vehicles: Several lost (many destroyed).
Jonathan concludes that both sides had a difficult day with air defence losses.
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Kursk Update: Zelensky Statement
🎦 12:46-13:41⏩
Jonathan discusses a statement from Zelensky regarding the Kursk offensive. Zelensky stated that in five months of the operation, Russia has lost 38,000 soldiers (15,000 irrecoverable losses i.e. killed or very badly injured). He also stated that key Russian units are tied down in Kursk and unable to reinforce other areas. Jonathan notes that some units, including North Korean units, have lost combat capability. Jonathan clarifies that the figure of 15,000 irrecoverable losses likely refers to killed, as the 38,000 figure would include wounded.
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Kursk Update: Stryker Footage
🎦 13:42-15:12⏩
Jonathan discusses footage of a Ukrainian Stryker vehicle in the Kursk region running over Russian soldiers. Jonathan finds the footage disturbing but notes that he has not seen similar footage before. Jonathan states that the Stryker may have run out of ammunition. He mentions that the footage is from the 95th Air Assault Brigade.
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Kursk Update: Ukrainian Drone Usage
15:12-15:49⏩
Return to top⤴️Jonathan references a statement from Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi that Ukrainian drone operators hit over 54,000 enemy targets in December 2024, with 49% of strikes carried out by kamikaze drones. Jonathan notes that this equates to approximately 27,000 kamikaze drones used in one month.
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Kursk Update: North Korean Koksan Self-Propelled Gun
🎦 15:50-16:41⏩
Jonathan discusses footage of a North Korean Koksan self-propelled gun in the Kursk region. Jonathan is unsure if the footage is from a Ukrainian source showing a captured gun or a Russian source showing the gun in use. Jonathan notes that these guns have been seen arriving in Russia by train and are now being used on the battlefield. Jonathan believes this is a worry for Ukraine as it demonstrates Russia's ability to replenish its equipment, despite heavy losses, thanks to North Korean supplies.
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Kherson: Humanitarian Situation
16:41-17:35⏩
Return to top⤴️Jonathan discusses the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Kherson, referencing comments from Tim White. Jonathan describes Kherson as a dying city, with many areas deserted and buildings boarded up. He notes that the situation has become increasingly untenable for residents due to the use of drones to target civilians in what has been called a "human safari."
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Kherson: Tim White Commentary
🎦 17:36-18:43⏩
Jonathan references further comments from Tim White on the situation in Kherson:
- Two people died and 19 were injured in recent attacks.
- A 15-year-old boy was injured in a drone attack.
- The most vulnerable people are the only ones left in the city.
- A 50-year-old environmentalist named Volodymyr Shum was killed in a strike on a bus.
- There are allegations that civilian buses are being used by the army and that electronic warfare systems are lying around in storage.
Distance Strikes: затишшя
18:44-19:17⏩
Return to top⤴️Jonathan reports on another quiet night for distance strikes, with no strikes by Ukraine on Russia and a "pain-free" night for Ukrainian air defences. Tim White reports that 38 attack drones were sent by Russia, with 28 shot down and 10 taken out by electronic warfare, resulting in a 100% interception rate.
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Distance Strikes: Ukrainian F-16 Pilot Shoots Down Six Cruise Missiles
19:18-20:48⏩
Return to top⤴️Jonathan reports on a "first" for the Ukrainian Air Force: a Ukrainian F-16 pilot shot down six Russian cruise missiles in a single sortie during an attack on December 13th, 2024. Jonathan discusses the various ways cruise missiles can be shot down and wonders which method is the most cost-effective or readily available.
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Distance Strikes: Missile Strike in Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, Rostov Region
20:49-21:43⏩
Return to top⤴️Jonathan reports on a missile strike in Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, Rostov region, which targeted military technical storage facilities connected to the FKP Kamensky plant. This plant was previously hit by Storm Shadow missiles on December 18th. Jonathan notes that the extent of the damage and the exact purpose of the warehouse are unknown.
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Distance Strikes: Naval Drones Used to Launch Aerial Drones
21:44-23:33⏩
Return to top⤴️Jonathan reports on another "first": Ukraine used naval drones to launch FPV drones that hit air defence positions in Skadovsk. Jonathan explains that this is likely why the Ukrainian Navy claimed the destruction of several air defence positions yesterday. Jonathan details that a Ukrainian FPV drone was launched from a Ukrainian naval drone, travelled to the Skadovsk area, and hit a Russian Pantsir S1 surface-to-air missile system. Jonathan praises the ingenuity of this tactic. This is the first operation of this kind, following an earlier reported operation a month ago. Jonathan notes that this strike demonstrates the capabilities and efficiency of Ukrainian drone warfare.
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Other News: Russian Troops Kill Three Ukrainian POWs in Donetsk
🎦 23:34-24:00⏩
Jonathan reports that Russian troops allegedly killed another three Ukrainian POWs in Donetsk. Jonathan notes that the majority of POW executions have taken place in the last year, 2024.
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Other News: Wagner Group Commander Anton "Lotus" Yelizarov Fired
24:01-25:22⏩
Return to top⤴️Jonathan reports that Wagner Group military commander Anton "Lotus" Yelizarov has been fired, allegedly due to interpersonal conflicts and Wagner's defeats in Africa in 2024. Jonathan notes that Yelizarov reportedly left the Wagner Group before the new year at the instigation of Yevgeny Prigozhin's son, Pavel, who took over Wagner following his father's death in August 2023.
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Other News: TV Recommendations - "The Bureau" and "The Agency"
25:23-28:32⏩
Return to top⤴️Jonathan recommends two French TV series: "Engrenages" ("Spiral"), a police drama set in Paris, and "Le Bureau des Légendes" ("The Bureau"), which he describes as one of his favourite series of all time. He then mentions a new American-British remake of "The Bureau" called "The Agency," starring Michael Fassbender. Jonathan explains that "The Agency" is set in London and features storylines involving Ukraine, Belarus, and a character based on Yevgeny Prigozhin. Jonathan recommends "The Agency" for its relevance to current events and its complex spy-geopolitical themes.
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Other News: Wagner Group Leadership Changes
28:32-29:49⏩
Return to top⤴️Jonathan discusses further details about the dismissal of Anton "Lotus" Yelizarov from the Wagner Group, referencing comments from Kasia Varova. Varova claims that Yelizarov was chosen as brigade commander without the presence of all commanders and that he flew to Russia to be the first to be near Yevgeny Prigozhin's son after Prigozhin's death. Varova also states that after Yelizarov became head of the PMC Wagner, the entire main commanding staff left the company, along with their fighters. She further alleges that an attempt by the PMC Wagner to join under the banners of the Rotskavadia failed due to Yelizarov's unrealistic demands. Varova also mentions the deaths of Wagner fighters in Mali due to Yelizarov's incompetent approach.
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Other News: Potential New Wagner Group Commander
29:49-30:43⏩
Return to top⤴️Jonathan reports on a potential new commander for the Wagner Group: Dmitry Podolsky, callsign "Salem." Podolsky is said to be a former GRU special forces soldier with numerous awards for bravery. He reportedly fought with Russian forces in Syria and later with the Wagner Group near Bakhmut, where he was seriously wounded. In 2024, he was appointed as a security advisor to the President of the Central African Republic.
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Other News: Loss of Coal Mining Operation in Pishchany
30:43-31:04⏩
Return to top⤴️Jonathan references a report from Christopher Miller of the Financial Times that Russian forces have taken at least part of the grounds of Ukraine's largest coking coal mining operation, located in Pishchany, just southwest of Pokrovsk. Jonathan notes that this is a big blow to the country's steel production industry and that the mine had previously been closed down.
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Other News: General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov Sent to Kursk
31:04-31:23⏩
Return to top⤴️Jonathan reports that Putin has sent General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, Deputy Defence Minister, to head Russia's border defences in Kursk and lead Moscow's mercenary projects in Africa.
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Other News: Kursk Update - 100 Russian Assaults Repelled
31:23-32:14⏩
Return to top⤴️Jonathan reports that Ukrainian forces repelled 94 Russian ground assaults in the Kursk Oblast over the past day, according to the General Staff. Jonathan speculates that this may be a deliberate tactic by Ukraine to lure Russian forces out.
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Other News: Kursk Update - Russians Strike Sudzha
32:14-32:54⏩
Return to top⤴️Jonathan reports that Russian forces have struck Sudzha, a town in the Kursk region that had been taken by Ukrainian forces. Jonathan notes that local residents are not happy about this, as evidenced by comments from Russians still living in Sudzha. Jonathan includes a quote from one resident: "Well, well, well, exactly according to plan, Russian cities with Russian bombs."
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Other News: Heating Failures in Yakutia, Russia
32:54-34:55⏩
Return to top⤴️Jonathan reports on heating failures in Zhigansk, Yakutia, Russia, where residents are left without heating in -50 degree Celsius temperatures due to a communal accident. Jonathan notes that only five of the eight boilers in the boiler house are operating and that residents are asking for help from the Minister of Housing and Utilities. Jonathan includes a quote from Margarita Nifontova, Assistant State Councillor of Yakutia: "There is no need for war. We'll freeze to death here." Jonathan suggests that this comment may be a dig at the war and the misallocation of funds.
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Other News: Inflation in Russia
34:55-35:54⏩
Return to top⤴️Jonathan discusses rising inflation in Russia, referencing comments from Anton Gerashchenko. Jonathan notes that inflation is growing as Putin throws more money into the war and that monthly inflation in November was 1.5%, with forecasts of over 2% for December. Jonathan includes a quote from Russian economist Shiraev: "Therefore, growth of 75% for everything is a working forecast, not pessimistic or optimistic, but working."
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Other News: Engine Failures on Russian Airliners
35:54-36:21⏩
Return to top⤴️Jonathan reports on engine failures on two Russian airliners shortly after takeoff, affecting a Ural Airlines plane and a North Star Airlines plane. Jonathan notes that both planes have been grounded for technical inspections and that the Russian aviation industry is still suffering under sanctions.
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Other News: Ukrainian Farmer's Story
36:22-37:09⏩
Return to top⤴️Jonathan discusses the story of Anna, a Ukrainian farmer whose farm was destroyed by Russian forces. Jonathan notes that half of her cows were killed, her farm was destroyed, and her family was held hostage and tortured. Despite this, Anna is determined to rebuild her farm. Jonathan mentions a book published by Euromaidan Press called "Godforsaken Villages" that tells the stories of occupied villages in Ukraine.
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Other News: Ukraine Will Not Force Return of Citizens from Abroad
37:09-38:13⏩
Return to top⤴️Jonathan reports that Ukraine will not enforce the return of citizens from abroad, according to Minister of Unity Oleksii Chernyshov. Jonathan notes that the return process is entirely voluntary and that Ukraine will celebrate the success of Ukrainians abroad if they find their place there. Jonathan suggests that this is a surprising claim, given expectations that Ukraine would try to forcibly repatriate Ukrainians.
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Other News: JNT Politico on Kherson
38:13-39:33⏩
Return to top⤴️Jonathan references a comment from JNT Politico on one of his previous videos. JNT Politico reports that Russia is attempting to gain a foothold in the Kherson region but that they are not making any significant progress. JNT Politico thanks the US, Sweden, and Finland for providing boats to Ukraine, stating that these boats are crucial for the defence of Kherson.
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Other News: JNT Politico on Russian Tactics in Kherson
39:33-40:34⏩
Return to top⤴️JNT Politico reports that Russian forces are active in the southern region and Crimea but that they do not appear to be launching a major offensive. JNT Politico notes that Russia is using a lot of non-amphibious boats, ATVs, and motorcycles and that Ukraine has a drone advantage. JNT Politico believes that any attempt by Russia to gain a foothold in Kherson would be a "suicide move."
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Other News: Andrew Perpetua on "Manufactured" Bad News
40:34-41:52⏩
Return to top⤴️Jonathan references a comment from Andrew Perpetua, who suggests that a lot of bad news in Ukraine is being manufactured for several reasons: to force changes in military and governmental structures, to appease Trump, and to unite the Ukrainian people. Jonathan explains that this involves over-egging how bad things are in order to get problems addressed.
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Other News: Andrew Perpetua on Cycle of Positivity
41:52-42:53⏩
Return to top⤴️Andrew Perpetua suggests that Ukraine may be entering a "cycle of positivity" leading up to Trump's inauguration, where problems are addressed and things improve, generating a sense of optimism. Jonathan expresses some scepticism about this idea but invites viewers to share their thoughts.
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Wrap up
🎦 42:54-43:00⏩
Jonathan thanks his viewers and says he will speak to them soon.
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