Ukraine: The Latest Drones plunge Ukraine regions into ‘total blackout’ & Russian-flagged oil tanker attacked after Trump acts
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Jan 8, 2026 Anna Conkling, a freelance journalist based in Kyiv, shares gripping updates from the frontline. She reveals how recent Russian strikes have plunged Ukrainian regions into darkness amidst freezing temperatures. Anna describes daily life during these blackouts, highlighting the resilience of locals and the challenges they face. The conversation also touches on the confusing restructuring within Ukraine's International Legion and the surge in defense stocks following Trump’s comments, stirring up various reactions in the defense sector.
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Winter Blackouts Threaten Civilians
- Russian strikes caused near-total blackouts in Dnipro-Petrovsk and Zaporizhia Oblasts, disrupting heating and water for millions.
- The outages are especially dangerous as daytime highs drop to around -10°C, increasing humanitarian risk.
Shadow Fleet Tanker Damaged At Sea
- A Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker, Palau-flagged Elbus, was damaged off Turkey and towed into port after a suspected drone strike.
- Imagery circulated online but remained unverified, and attribution was cautious.
International Legion Reorganization Confuses Fighters
- Ukraine plans to dissolve the International Legion as a standalone formation, folding battalions into regular assault regiments.
- Fighters report confusion and limited official guidance about contracts, postings and unit attachments.