Bob Homans January 23

20230124

Ukraine – 1/23 Sitrep
Compiled by: Robert Homans
January 23, 2023

A U.S. Senate Delegation Visits Kyiv

The delegation was in Kyiv late last week, and they met with Pres. Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian Government officials.  The delegation included Sens. Lindsay Graham (Republican – South Carolina), Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat – Rhode Island), and Richard Blumenthal (Democrat – Connecticut).  Coverage of their visit was drowned out on the Sunday political talk shows, likely because of coverage of the Biden Classified Document Scandal and the Tragic incident last Saturday night in Monterey Park, Ca., so I will gladly give the Senators their due, and I’ll include it here.   A video of the senators’ press conference is included in the link.  It was held in front of St. Michael’s Cathedral in Kyiv, and next to Queen Olga (now duly protected with sandbags).   Behind the senators, one can see the barrel of a destroyed Russian tank.   What is newsworthy is the senators’ use of the word “Victory.”  We’d like to see increased use of this word by members of the Biden Administration, especially by Gen. Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz – Early Career

Wikipedia describes the early career of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, as follows, “Scholz joined the German Social Democratic Party (SPD) in 1975 as a student, where he got involved with the “Jusos,” the youth organization of the SPD. From 1982 to 1988, he was Deputy Federal Juso Chairman, and from 1987 to 1989 also Vice President of the International Union of Socialist Youth.   He supported the Freudenberger Kreis, the Marxist wing of the Juso university groups, promoting "overcoming the capitalist economy" in various articles.    In it, Scholz criticized the "aggressive-imperialist NATO, the Federal Republic (former West Germany) as the "European stronghold of big business" and the social-liberal coalition, which puts the "bare maintenance of power above any form of substantive dispute".  On 4 January 1984, Scholz and other Juso leaders met in the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) with  Egon Krenz, the secretary of the Central Committee of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) and member of the Politburo of the SED-Central Committee, Herbert Häber.  Krenz later became the last Leader of the former East Germany, at the time of the fall of the Berlin Wall.  In 1987, Scholz crossed the inner German border again and stood up for disarmament agreements as Juso-Vice at a Free German Youth (FDJ) peace rally in Wittenberg.”

A recent Twitter post alleges that Scholz visited the former East Germany 9 times, “with special privileges.”

It is worth asking - what kind of “Kompromat” does the Russian SVR (Russian Foreign Intelligence Service) and/or the GRU have on Chancellor Scholz who, as Chancellor, makes the final decision on the release of German weapons to Ukraine and, in addition he has the authority to withhold permission for other countries to release German-made equipment to Ukraine?   

Former East German and Former Soviet Penetration of the Former West Germany

One of the recipients of these emails worked in the former West Germany for the CIA, and he was involved in the CIA’s acquisition of the Rosenholz Files.   There is no information that Olaf Scholz’s name was included in the Rosenholz Files.   My recipient was kind enough to share his thoughts.

In addition to his involvement in acquiring the Rozenholz Files, my recipient’s experience in the former West Germany included, in his words, “late in my career I had a great deal of intensive experience working with the BfV, the West German internal security service. I personally made happen the effective handling of HvA materials which lead to the uncovering of hundreds of West Germans working for the HvA. (East German service—Markus Wolf). That work has entered into the public domain as “ROSENHOLZ.”  In addition, I ran the Hqs end of several operations which lead to very important KGB operations against West Germany, including the identification of some real big shot’s secretary.”

Based on his career in the CIA my recipient provided the following observation and advice -

“Two things came out of that (his experience): A. Between the HvA (“Main Directorate for Reconnaissance”, the primary foreign intelligence agency of the former East Germany) and the KGB (now the Russian FSB) the commies had the West Germans penetrated everywhere; B. We did not”get” all the spies. You never do.”

“Re today: Even with the passage of many years, there have to be some remaining  sources and assets (even second generation)  from the HvA operations now being run by the Russians and, as we in New England say, “As sure as God made little apples,” the SVR have plenty (to say nothing of the GRU) of assets in Germany.”

 “Thus, now would be a very good time for someone to be watching systematically and very closely the stands, however subtle, of politicians and media outlets and media mouths on this issue. The Leopards must be a topical issue of considerable importance to the Russians; and the SVR must be under great pressure to get their influence assets to help. I doubt very much the BfV would dare do anything like that.”

News From the Battlefield

“Reporting From Ukraine” describes continuing encounters in the South, this time on an island in the Dnieper River adjacent to Kherson City.   He also says the following:

·       He confirms what has been reported elsewhere, that large numbers of Russian wounded are going to hospitals in Khahovka and other cities in Southern Ukraine.

·       Unlike what has been reported elsewhere, including in much of the Western media that often seems only too ready to describe Russian successes, that there is no major Russian offensive in the South.   Several Russian incursions have been stopped by Ukrainian forces.

Denys, in his latest, doesn’t think that there will be a Russian offensive in the spring, and he gives his reasons why.   He also describes some recent instances of corrupt activity, including a video describing a “gift” made to the girlfriend of the Chief of the Lv’iv Police Department, from the Chief himself.   It will be interesting to see the Government’s reaction.

1/23 Sitrep

Russian Invasion of Ukraine 12:00 noon January 22 to 12:00 noon January 23, 2022

Today (January 22) in Ukraine we celebrate the Day of Unity!

We wish you unity and victory 💙💛

Abbreviations:

RMA = Regional Military AdministrationSBU = Security Service of Ukraine

RASHISTS = russian Facists/all russian invaders

INTERNATIONAL

January 23

11:43: Estonian Ambassador Margus Laidre is due to leave Russia on February 7, as Russia has decided to reduce diplomatic relations with Tallinn. This is stated in a statement by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

·       It is reported that the Estonian ambassador was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry, where he was told a strong protest in connection with the actions of the Estonian authorities.

09:30 Ambassador of Estonia to Ukraine: "We give all our 155 mm howitzer to Ukraine. And we want to create a precedent in this way so that other countries have no excuses why they cannot provide Ukraine with the necessary weapons to win the war," "Kaimo Kuusk.

09:07 Social Networks: Celebration of the Day of Unity of Ukraine in Philadelphia, USA.

08:46 German Defense Minister: In the near future, a decision will be made on whether to send German-made Leopard tanks to Ukraine, "Boris Pistorius.

·       The Minister noted that the government should consider many factors and would not resort to hasty actions. "We are talking about factors that include security issues for the German population."

08:00 Anadolu: Tehran could withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in response to the European Parliament's plans to include Iran in the list of terrorist organizations. This was stated by Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian.

00:44 Corriere della Sera - Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani - Italy and France are completing preparations for sending Ukraine the SAMP-T air defense system.  

·       "In cooperation with France, we are completing the SAMP-T shipment. In any case, there are other actions that we are working on confidentially," the Italian official said.

00:27 Radio Liberty: The European Union will adopt the tenth package of sanctions against Russia on the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine - February 24, and on Belarus - even earlier:

·       Then, in early March, the EU may revise the ceiling of Russian oil prices.

00:06 Social Networks: Celebration of the Day of Unity of Ukraine in Munich. Action to support Ukraine in Toronto.

January 22

23:27: In an interview with LCI TV channel, German Foreign Minister Berbok supported the supply of German tanks to Ukraine by third countries.:

·       "I wouldn't mind if Poland sent 'Leopards' to Ukraine," Annalena Berbok said.

23:05 Bild: An illegal scheme of exploitation of refugees from Ukraine has been revealed in Spain.

·       Police today detained 27 people in different parts of Spain. According to the publication, they are suspected of organizing a criminal scheme through which they placed Ukrainian refugees in illegal cigarette factories.

22:55 The New York Times: Russian military intelligence using far-right groups in EU countries is behind mailing bombs in Spain in 2022.

22:11 Süddeutsche Zeitung: U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has quarreled with Scholz's closest adviser over Germany's position on transferring Leopard 2 to Ukraine.

·       The publication also reports that the national security adviser to the US President Jake Sullivan, in a telephone conversation with the adviser to the German chancellor Jens Plettner, sharply criticized Germany's actions.

21:18: President of the European Parliament Roberta Metzola congratulated Ukrainians on the Day of Unity.:

·       "The unity of the people of Ukraine is stronger than ever before. Europe reaffirms its support for Ukraine. We will remain united. For democracy, for freedom, for our values."

20:47: Turkey's presidential election will be held on May 14, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

20:32 BFM TV: French President Macron says he does not rule out supplying French Leclerc tanks to Ukraine and named three conditions for this.

·       According to him:

o   this tank should not cause escalation;

o   it must provide real and effective support to the Ukrainian army;

o   It should not "weaken our own defense capabilities."

20:14 Politico: Congress called on the United States to send Ukraine at least one Abrams tank.:

·       On the statement by the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the US House of Representatives Michael McColl.

·       According to him, such a decision of the White House will be able to create a domino effect to force other countries to transfer Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.

19:58 Menadefense: Moroccan authorities have handed over to Ukraine an unknown number of T-72B tanks that have been upgraded in the Czech Republic.

·       It is alleged that the decision to transfer was made "under pressure" at the Ramstein summit in April 2022.

18:08: Austria treats Ukrainians who suffered in the Brovary plane crash:

·       Six seriously injured Ukrainians, including three children, will be treated in clinics in Vienna, Linz and Graz.

·       "I am glad that we can help where innocent children, mothers and fathers suffer so much," Austrian Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer thanked local hospitals.

17:26: The Unify Ukraine initiative has opened a sunflower garden at Flatiron Plaza in downtown New York City. The creation of the site was dedicated to the Day of Unity of Ukraine.:

·       According to the campaign website in support of Ukraine, activists installed an installation of sunflowers – "one for every day when Russia occupied the country."

·       Concert of the Kiev brass band dedicated to the Day of Unity of Ukraine at the capital's railway station.

·       Action on the Day of Unity of Ukraine in Batumi, Georgia.

·       Celebration of the Day of Unity of Ukraine in the Spanish city of Alicante.

16:40: French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that Ukraine will receive assistance as long as necessary:

·       Macron and Scholz announced this at a meeting in honor of the 60th anniversary of the conclusion of a reconciliation treaty between the two countries.

16:11 RMF: The European Union is discussing the imposition of sanctions against Belarus.

·       Among the possible sanctions is a complete embargo on the supply of weapons and dual-use equipment to the country. It also mentions a ban on exports from the EU to Belarus of electronics, household appliances or luxury goods that it still imports. Sources from the European Commission said that sanctions would be imposed on Belarusian banks.

15:55 Reuters: As a result of EU sanctions, a division of the Kremlin's television network Russia Today (RT) is closing in France.

·       The head of RT France said French authorities had referred to the ninth package of EU sanctions adopted last December. She added that the channel's funds were frozen at the request of the Treasury.

15:39 TVN24: In a few days, Poland begins to teach Ukrainian military operations of Leopard 2 tanks.:

·       Przydach stressed that the training will be conducted, even though the decision to transfer German tanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine has not yet been made, because it is worth preparing for a possible new Russian offensive now.

14:18 Der Spiegel: Germany can transfer Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, which are used only in exercises.

13:38 Japan Today: Foreign Ministers of the G7 (Big Seven) countries will hold a meeting in Munich as a sign of unity against Russian aggression and coincide with its anniversary of the Russian army's invasion of Ukraine.

13:18 Sky News: Britain is discussing with NATO allies the supply of Leopard 2 tanks and other modern military equipment to Ukraine, said British Foreign Minister James Cleverley.

·       "We want to be sure that Ukrainians will win and that it will happen soon, as it is the best way to save as many lives as possible," he said.

13:08 Polish Prime Minister: We will create another coalition if Germany does not agree to Leopard supplies.

·       "We will not just watch Ukraine bleed. It now depends on Germany whether they want to join the mission and stop Russian barbarism, or whether they choose to silently observe and go down in history as those who were on the wrong side."

12:57 Corriere della Sera: Italy is exploring the possibility of transferring Samp-T air defense to Slovakia, after which Ukraine will be able to receive the Patriot complex from Bratislava.

·       According to the publication, Italy can supply modern Samp-T air defense to Slovakia. Bratislava, for its part, will send the Patriot to Germany, where Ukrainian soldiers will learn how to use it before the complex is transported to Ukraine.

NATIONAL

January 23

11:07 Ukrenergo: Electricity consumption is higher than on Sunday, which is associated with the beginning of the working week, as well as a gradual decrease in temperature throughout Ukraine. In this regard, the power deficit has increased.

·       Already in the morning, the limits were exceeded in five regions: Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhia, Volyn and Lviv, where emergency outages are currently applied, which are also possible in other regions.

10:57: Civilian casualties because of Russian armed aggression for 22.01.2023 according to regional military administrations

·       Donetsk – 4 woundedd

·       Zaporizhia – 1 wounded

·       Kharkiv – 1 killed and 1 wounded

·       Kherson – 3 wounded

10:46:  Head of the Servant of the People faction David Arakhamia announces spring arrests after Zelenskyy's statement about "concrete personnel decisions"

·       "We'll probably plant actively this spring. It doesn't work out humanly, it will be according to the laws of wartime... Some people have lost consciousness and looting without fear and remorse of conscience. This also applies to the recent purchases of generators, and the latest scandals in the Ministry of Defense," Arakhamia said.

09:59: General Intelligence Directorate: "Spring and the beginning of summer will be decisive in the war. If Russia's major offensive planned for this time fails, it will be the collapse of Russia and Putin."

·       According to Vadym Skibitsky, Donetsk and Luhansk regions are waiting for heavy and decisive battles.

·       At the same time, the representative of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine added, a new Russian attack on Kyiv through Belarus is unlikely, as well as active hostilities in the south of Ukraine, where Russians are more concerned about the protection of the occupied Crimea.

·       "When spring and the beginning of summer are behind us, perhaps we can start talking about the end of the war. We cannot look far yet, we must go through the first stage – spring and the beginning of summer. We see what this war is leading to: the Russian military leadership has changed, the first stage of mobilization has ended, the Russian army is regrouping," Vadim Skibitsky said.

09:19: The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the Estonian government has prepared the largest package of military assistance to Ukraine with a total value of €113 million:

·       dozens of howitzers of 155 mm FH-70 and 122-mm D-30 caliber;

·        thousands of artillery shells of 155 mm caliber

·        hundreds of M2 Karl-Gustaf anti-tank grenade launchers with ammunition;

·       means of supporting artillery units.

09:41 Head of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine: The ninth "Ramstein" will take place in February.

·       "More trust means more weapons. To protect our land, the sea... and the sky!" the defence minister wrote.

07:11 Operational information from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine:

·       "During the day, the enemy inflicted 4 missile and 5 air strikes. He also carried out more than 40 attacks from multiple launch rocket systems.

·       The enemy led unsuccessful offensive operations in the Liman, Avdiivka and Zaporozhye directions. He continues offensive operations in the Bakhmut direction. In other areas, it is defending."

·       Over the past day, units of the Defense Forces repulsed Russian attacks in the areas of the settlements of Stelmakhivka and Novoselovskoye, Luhansk region and Vyyivka, Rozdolivka, Bilohorivka, Paraskoviyivka, Bakhmut, Stupochki, Novobakhmutivka, Pervomaiske and Marinka of the Donetsk region

·       From January 18 to January 21 of this year, the replenishment of Russians' manpower arrived in the settlements of Vinogradovo and Brylivka, Kherson region.

·       The personnel were armed only with small arms, personal protective equipment, such as bulletproof vests, had only a few, military equipment was not imported.

·       The city hospital of Dniprorudny, Zaporizhia region, is overcrowded with wounded. Only recently, about 150 Russians have been delivered,

·       At the same time, most of the hospital staff refused to cooperate with the Russian military, so doctors are sent from the Russian Federation.

·       During the day, the aviation of the Defense Forces inflicted 3 strikes on the areas of concentration of Russians, - General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.:

·       Also shot down the Orlan-10 UAV. Ukrainian rocket scientists and artillerymen hit 4 areas of concentration of Russian troops and 3 ammunition depots.

January 22

23:55 ARD Zelensky: Supplying Ukraine with Western tanks will not solve the situation at the front, since Russia has thousands of them.

·       "When the Russian army, which has a thousand tanks, is against us, no country decides that they give 10 tanks, 20, 50 does not solve the problem. They do a very important thing - they motivate our warriors to fight for their own values.

·       Because they show that the whole world is with you."

23:36: The military leadership was tasked with creating reserves so that the Ukrainian military could regain forces after hostilities.

·       This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a meeting with students of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.

·       He stressed that he could not disclose the details of the mobilization processes, but the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander made the appropriate decisions, so they are working on their implementation.

21:32: On the Day of Unity, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Boris Johnson talked to students and teaching staff of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.:

·       "I thank Boris Johnson for everything he has done to support Ukraine and strengthen our defense capabilities," the president wrote.

19:16: Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Boris Johnson discussed preparations for a "peace summit", the OP said:

·       During the meeting, Zelenskyy and Johnson exchanged views on practical steps that a British politician can take to help Ukraine.

18:20 Operational information from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as of 18:00 on January 22:

·       "During the day, the enemy launched 5 air strikes on the positions of the Defense Forces and a missile strike - on critical infrastructure in the Zaporizhia region.

·       He carried out more than 20 attacks from multiple launch rocket systems.

·       The threat of air and missile strikes by the Russian Federation on civilian targets remains high throughout Ukraine."

·       "The enemy focuses its main efforts on conducting an offensive in the Bakhmut direction.:

·       Conducts unsuccessful offensive operations in the Zaporozhye, Avdiivka and Liman directions. On Kupyansk, Novopavlovsk and Kherson, it is being robbed."

·       The enemy continues to suffer losses.:

o   Thus, in the city hospital of Nova Kakhovka, Kherson region, trucks and cars with wounded Russian servicemen arrive daily. The number of liquidated occupiers is being specified."

·       "During the day, the Aviation of the Defense Forces inflicted 3 strikes on areas of concentration of enemy personnel.:

·       Units of rocket troops and artillery hit 2 areas of concentration of the invaders and 2 ammunition depots.

17:55 NSDC Secretary: Russia is preparing for an offensive, the first sign of this is the implementation of active information measures:

·       "Before tanks start firing, poisonous information gases are used, which consist of lies, manipulations, fakes and misinformation, activation of agents of the information front," he said.

12:48 CNN: Ukraine is creating new military units to equip them with NATO weapons, said Joint Forces Commander Sergei Naev.

·       "Of course, we need a lot of Western tanks. They are much better than Soviet models and can help us advance. We are creating new military units. And our further actions will depend on their combat capability. Therefore, the assistance of the West is extremely important."

12:27 National Anticorruption Bureau of Ukraine press service: NABU confirmed the detention of Deputy Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development Vasyl Lozynsky on receiving a bribe of $400 thousand.

·       According to the investigation, he received money for assistance in concluding contracts for the purchase of "equipment and machinery." Several searches were carried out, during which 920 thousand people were found and seized in the office of entrepreneurs. UAH and $38.7 thousand.

·       The bureau said that one of the participants in the scheme, who was trying to go abroad, was also detained at night.

·       14:32: The Cabinet of Ministers dismissed Vasyl Lozynsky from the post of Deputy Minister of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development, said Oleksandr Kubrakov, head of the Ministry of Infrastructure.

MORDOR (Russia)

January 23

January 22

22:30: Explosions are heard in the Belgorod region. The governor of the region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, announced the work of air defense.

14:02 Social Networks: Explosions are heard in the Belgorod region of the Russian Federation.

1:52 British intelligence: The Russian leadership has conceived a reform of the army because of a possible military threat in the future.

·       On January 17, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced plans to significantly reorganize the structure of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation for the period from 2023 to 2026. In particular, it is planned to increase the number of the army to 1.5 million people, which is 11% higher than the previously planned increase to 1.35 million.

·       The intelligence notes that Russia will face significant difficulties in recruiting personnel and manning new military units with weapons and equipment.

KHARKIV

January 23

10:18 Kharkiv RMA: Last day, Russians continued shelling peaceful settlements in the Kupyansk, Kharkiv, Bohodukhiv and Chuhuiv districts.

·       In Kupyansk, a Russian shell hit the courtyard of a residential building, in Vovchansk, a hit on a private house was also recorded. A 49-year-old man was injured.

·       In the village of Petrovka, Zolochiv community, a 67-year-old woman was killed by Russian shelling.

·       Also, at about 22:00, Russian troops launched a missile strike, previously from the S-300 air defense system, on the village of Pisochin, Kharkiv district. The economic building was destroyed. No casualties.

January 22

22:49 Social Networks: Explosions are heard in the Kharkiv region.

21:58 Social Networks: Explosions are heard in Kharkiv.

17:11 Kharkiv RMA: Today, at about 14:30 in the village of Petrivka, Zolochiv community, a 67-year-old woman was killed in shelling.

·       In addition, after 15:00, the enemy fired at the cemetery in the village of Guryev Kozachok from tanks. Damaged graves.

·       Also today, Vovchansk was under fire from the Russians. A hit was recorded in a five-story building and a private house with MLRS.

15:25 Kharkiv RMA: Together with U.S. Army General Keith Kellogg and a delegation of U.S. military and military experts, we visited Izyum, liberated from the occupiers, today.

LUHANSK

January 23

January 22

16:26: The Ukrainian military launched a point strike on the location of the Russians in the Luhansk region.:

·       This was reported in the Department of Strategic Communications.

·       "Luhansk region. Occupied Stakhanov aka Kadiivka. Yesterday, a blow was struck at the former dispensary of the machine-building plant with high-precision weapons. There were Kadyrovites there," the report said.

DONETSK

January 23

08:36 Donetsk RMA: On January 22, Russians wounded 4 residents of Donetsk region: 3 in Bakhmut and 1 in Avdiivka

00:35: In Mariupol, Russians demolished more than 50 high-rise buildings, next in line are hundreds more, - Mariupol City Council:

·       In some of the buildings that they decided to demolish, the bodies of civilians who died during the blockade and continuous shelling of Mariupol still remain. However, this does not stop the Russians, they are demolishing the houses in which the remains of Mariupol residents lie, trying to hide their war crimes.

January 22

22:25 Social Networks: Explosions are also heard in Druzhkivka, Donetsk region.

22:21 Social Networks: Explosions are heard in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region.

19:48 Social Networks: Explosions are heard in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region.

12:07: The National Guard's rapid response team showed footage of the destruction of Russian infantry in the Bakhmut area.

ZAPORIZHIA

January 23

January 22

16:57: The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine showed an unsuccessful russian attack in the Zaporozhye direction.

·       "The Ukrainian military destroyed one tank, five infantry fighting vehicles and about 30 Russians," the report said.

DNIPRO

January 23

08:26 Dnipro RMA: Under fire from the Russian "Grads" and "Hurricanes" this night took place in the Nikopol region.

·       The Russians shelled the area twice. More than 20 shells arrived in Myrovsk and Marganets communities. People are whole.

KHERSON

January 23

11:52: Operational Command "South" reported an unsuccessful attempt by the Russian DRG to land on one of the Potemkin Islands on the Dnieper, located between Kherson and the left bank.

·       "The defense forces struck a light-engined civilian boat, which the occupiers appropriated and equipped for military purposes," the Operational Command South said in a statement.

09:49 Kherson RMA: Russians shelled the territory of Kherson region 25 times a day.

·       Kherson itself was shelled by the Russian army 4 times. 3 people were injured of varying severity.

January 22

14:45 Operational Command Tavria (Kherson): The Russian army is not conducting large-scale offensives in the Zaporizhia region. However, it is trying to storm the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in small groups.

·       "In some areas, the enemy did have some partial success, but at present all positions have been restored. The enemy is thrown back to his previous positions."

KYIV

January 23

10:37:  Units of the group of forces and means of defense of Kyiv continue to improve the engineering equipment of the defense lines of the city of Kyiv and Kyiv region.

·       Deputy Commander of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Pavliuk said.

January 22

1:23 Reuters: Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson arrives in Bucha, Kyiv region.

·       In addition to Bucha, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited Borodyanka, Kyiv region.

·       15:04: Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in Kyiv with former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

SUMY

January 23

11:30: SBU detains Russian agent trying to get a job in Sumy Regional Military Administration

·       The traitor was a resident of the regional center, whom the FSB recruited before the start of a full-scale invasion.

·       He had to covertly collect secret information about the system of protection of the region in the face of armed aggression of the Russian Federation.

11:19 a.m.:  Sumy  RMA After midnight, Russians fired mortars at the Znob-Novgorod community, 12 arrivals. Without destruction, - the head of the Sumy OVA Dmitry Zhivitsky.

·       At about 5 o'clock in the morning, Russian troops beat the Novoslobidsk community. 15 mines exploded on the border. In both cases, people were not injured.

Comparing Soviet invasion of Afghanistan to Russian invasion of Ukraine using Wikipedia and Ukraine Ministry of Defense Daily Bulletins. Soviet and Russian military losses not including captured equipment.

Soviet Afghanistan

SOURCES

https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/

https://euromaidanpress.com/

https://cutt.ly/Blyskavka

www.ubn.news