Discussion of transfer of Air Force specialists to infantry, massive attack on Russia: January 14 highlights

Massive attack on Russian enterprises

The Ukrainian Defense Forces carried out the most massive attack on the Russian military facilities at a distance of 200 to 1,100 km deep into the aggressor state. Targets in the Bryansk, Saratov, Tula oblasts and Tatarstan were hit. Explosions were heard at chemical plants, oil refineries and warehouses at the Engels airfield.

"This operation became a model of coordination between intelligence, missile forces, rocket artillery and unmanned systems. Drones successfully distracted the attention of Russian air defense, opening the way for missiles that accurately hit the main targets. And long-range UAVs destroyed substations and other important infrastructure after the missile strike," the military said.

Air Force soldiers complained about the transfer of specialists to the infantry

The military reported the transfer of Air Force specialists to units of other branches and types of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in particular to the infantry. The command assured that the scarce specialists will remain in their positions.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed to "clarify everything to society" and not reduce the number of specialists needed by aviation, air defense, and mobile fire groups.

Pistorius' visit to Kyiv

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv for talks with the Ukrainian government. His visit was not announced for security reasons.

He said that everything necessary for a package of additional aid for Ukraine worth 3 billion euros has already been prepared, but negotiations are still ongoing within the German government.

Zelenskyy said that over 100 brigades on the battlefield need additional personnel

Currently, more than 100 brigades are on the battlefield, and each of them needs additional equipment before increasing the number of soldiers. In a larger number of brigades, “something is constantly going out for repair,” and therefore there is a constant shortage.

Trump spoke about the upcoming meeting with Putin, and his candidate for defense secretary answered whether the US will abandon Ukraine

US President-elect Donald Trump said he is going to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin "very quickly" after he takes office on January 20.

Meanwhile, Pete Hegseth, a candidate for the position of US Secretary of Defense, said that he wants the war to end in a way that benefits the Ukrainians. “We know who the aggressor is. We know who the good guy is. We’d like to see it [the resolution – ed.] as advantageous for the Ukrainians as possible. But that war needs to come to an end,” he said.

Slovak opposition wants to declare a vote of no confidence in Fico

In Slovakia, the opposition is attempting to call a vote of no confidence in the government of Prime Minister Robert Fico. Politicians are particularly unhappy with his visit to Moscow and the shift in Slovakia's foreign policy orientation.

Michal Šimečka, the leader of the strongest opposition movement Progressive Slovakia, assessed that the entire opposition has managed to unite to recall Fico.

Lloyd and Blinken shared how they see the end of the war

Ending the war in Ukraine can be done through negotiations, and Kyiv and the next administration in Washington have leverage to do so, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. But cutting aid and forcing a ceasefire would be capitulation.

They also said that Putin is "increasingly" facing a "painful dilemma": continue to suffer heavy losses, order conscription, or agree with Ukraine to end the war.

Other news

• The 15 participants who received the largest number of votes in the online voting were selected to join the Public Anti-Corruption Council under the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
• Rower Larysa Zhalinska, who served in the National Guard, traveled to Russia and gave an interview to propagandists.
• The Verkhovna Rada has adopted a bill that provides for the opening of parliamentary committee meetings to journalists, media workers, and representatives of public organizations.
• The South Korean government intends to discuss with Ukraine the possibility of transferring to Seoul North Korean soldiers who were captured by Ukraine.