Massive fireball as Russian thermal power plant explodes & rebellion in the occupied territories
Jan 24, 2025
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Dr. Jade McGlynn, a researcher at King's College, discusses the resilience of Ukrainian partisans in occupied territories, focusing on their acts of sabotage and the psychological support needed for resistance fighters. Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former British Army Tank Commander, analyzes Trump's economic strategies towards Russia, alongside NATO's involvements and the Kremlin's growing unrest. They delve into the complexities of achieving lasting peace amid ongoing conflict and the significance of Ukraine's resistance efforts in the face of adversity.
Trump's recent threats to Putin signify a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy towards a more aggressive stance against Russia.
In occupied territories, Ukrainian resistance has escalated with targeted actions against Russian forces, demonstrating determination and operational resilience.
Deep dives
Trump's Threats and Moscow's Fears
Recent statements by Donald Trump have included direct threats to Russian President Vladimir Putin, reflecting a shift in U.S. discourse that could impact Russia's strategic outlook. Trump emphasized the need for strong military solutions while acknowledging the fragility of the Russian economy, which shows signs of distress due to ongoing sanctions and the warfare. His proposition that a decrease in oil prices could help end the war indicates an understanding of the financial underpinnings of Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. This rhetoric from Trump highlights a potential turning point, as his administration could pivot U.S. foreign policy towards a tougher stance against Russia.
Resistance in Occupied Territories
A new segment was introduced to focus on the resistance activities in Russian-occupied territories, emphasizing the bravery of Ukrainians opposing the occupation. Recent activities include significant actions from partisan groups, such as targeted assassinations and car bombings against occupying officers. Specific incidents documented involved the killing of a Russian major in a car bomb attack and destruction of military vehicles critical to Russian logistics. This underlines the ongoing resilience and determination of Ukrainians to fight back against occupiers, challenging the notion that once territory is seized, it remains lost.
Stalemate and Drone Warfare
The current battlefield reports indicate a stalemate with little movement on the ground, as Ukrainian forces continue to strike at Russian energy and military infrastructure. Ukrainian attacks targeted locations far within Russian territory, highlighting the expanding reach of their military capabilities, including drone warfare. While Russia claims to have intercepted a number of drones, several strikes caused significant damage to strategic facilities like oil refineries. These developments showcase the shifting dynamics of the conflict, where Ukraine’s ability to project force deep into Russian-held areas underscores their operational resilience.
Global Political Ramifications
The geopolitical landscape is shifting with ongoing discussions about potential NATO peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, which Russia vehemently opposes, warning of ‘uncontrolled escalation.’ The Kremlin's narrative suggests a fear of further Western entrenchment in the conflict, evidenced by their reaction to proposed military support from European powers. Furthermore, Trump's outreach to China for assistance in ceasing the war raises concerns about potential alliances that could reshape the conflict's trajectory. These interactions illustrate the complex interplay of global politics and military strategy, which will heavily influence the war's future direction.
Today, we discuss Trump’s latest threats to Putin and Moscow’s fears about the strategic outlook, why the pathways to a lasting peace are more complex that many realise, and our first new segment summarising resistance activities in the occupied territories.
Contributors:
Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor, Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.
Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.
Hamish De Bretton-Gordon (Former British Army Tank Commander). @HamishDBG on X
With thanks to Dr. Jade McGlynn (War Studies Department of King's College). @DrJadeMcGlynn on X.
Content Referenced:
Trump just gave Putin a wake-up call (Francis in The Telegraph):