**Russia Orders Cut in Energy Exports to Ukraine**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico to cut off crucial energy exports to Ukraine. This comes as Kyiv secured its first US liquefied natural gas delivery through Greece.
**North Korean Troops Suffer Heavy Losses**
A North Korean contingent operating in Kursk Oblast destroyed multiple vehicles of their own allies, killing eight Chechen Spetsnaz soldiers after mistaking them for Ukrainian forces. The incident highlights the desperation and disorganization among Russian and North Korean forces.
**US Officials Warn Ukraine May Lose Kursk Foothold by Spring**
US officials have warned that Ukraine may be forced to abandon its hard-won territory in Russia’s Kursk Oblast within months, facing mounting pressure from an estimated 50,000 Russian troops including North Korean reinforcements.
**Ukraine Fields New Leopard Tanks and Caesar Howitzers**
A new, Western-trained Ukrainian brigade has moved to defend a strategic Donetsk hub against Russian forces that outnumber defenders three to one. Ukraine’s defense industry claims 59% of military contracts after production surge.
**Russian Losses Hit 421,000 in 2024**
Russia has lost 784,200 soldiers during the three years of full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with losses hitting 421,000 in 2024 alone. Ukrainian drone supplies have increased by 19-fold in 2024, with over 170 types of unmanned systems now in use by Ukrainian Defense Forces.
**Georgian President Refuses to Leave Palace Ahead of Pro-Russian Leader Inauguration**
Georgian president Salome Zourabichvili called supporters to Orbeliani Palace on Sunday – one hour before her “illegitimate” successor’s inauguration. The move is seen as a show of defiance against the pro-Russian leader.
**US Prepares $1.25 Billion Military Package for Ukraine**
Sources have said that the shipment will include air defense systems and artillery rounds, to be delivered ahead of the transition in US leadership.