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Ukraine Breaking News Today Live on 01-27-2025

Stay on top of Russia-Ukraine war 01-27-2025 developments on the ground with KyivPost fact-based news, exclusive video footage, photos and updated war maps.

Key updates
Ukraine Breaking News Today Live on 01-27-2025

EU Cancels Visa-Free Travel for Georgian Officials, Diplomats

EU Cancels Visa-Free Travel for Georgian Officials, Diplomats

The EU Council cited Georgian authorities’ “violent repression” of protests and media as the reason, with the move marking the latest fallout of Tbilisi’s tanking relations with the West.

The EU Council has suspended visa-free treatments for Georgian officials and diplomats starting Monday, Jan. 27.

In its press release, the EU Council also said Georgian officials and diplomats would need to apply for visas while traveling to EU member states, but the decision would not affect Georgian citizens holding standard passports.

North Korean Troops Pull Back After Heavy Kursk Losses, Reports Say

North Korean Troops Pull Back After Heavy Kursk Losses, Reports Say

Ukrainian military sources believe NK retreat goals: analyze their mistakes, tend to their wounded and/or await troop reinforcements Kim Jong Un is about to send to the region, as reports suggest.

North Korean (DPRK) troops have reportedly pulled back from the frontline in Russia’s Kursk region after suffering heavy losses - a Ukrainian special forces commander with the call sign “Puls” told Sky News.

Puls, who leads the 1st Combat Divers Battalion of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces (SSO), observed a noticeable shift around two weeks ago, with the North Koreans pulling back from the frontlines.

Kremlin Claims Both Sides Ready for Talks, But No US Contact Yet

Kremlin Claims Both Sides Ready for Talks, But No US Contact Yet

The Kremlin said both leaders appeared ready for a high-level meeting, but that it was still waiting for word from Washington.

No-one in US President Donald Trump’s new administration has made contact with the Kremlin about setting up a meeting with Vladimir Putin, Russian officials said Monday.

Trump, who took office last Monday, told reporters he was willing to meet the Russian president “immediately” to reach a deal on ending the nearly three-year conflict in Ukraine, but neither side has indicated when talks might happen.

New Front? Reports Claim China is Secretly Backing Russia with Troops

New Front? Reports Claim China is Secretly Backing Russia with Troops

With mounting losses on the battlefield, could China’s intervention shift the balance, or is it too late to change the course of the war?

Zelensky Appoints High-Flying General to Critical Donbas Sector, Scene of Heavy Russia Losses

Zelensky Appoints High-Flying General to Critical Donbas Sector, Scene of Heavy Russia Losses

General Myhailo Drapaty rocketed from obscurity to number two in the Ukrainian army, in less than three years. His favorite tactics are drone swarms and maximizing Russian casualties.

President Volodymyr Zelensky named one of the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s (AFU) most popular and successful generals to command in the eastern Donbas region on Sunday, as Ukrainian and Russian forces were locked in heavy battles across the fighting line in the strategically-critical Pokrovsk sector.

He will take over leadership of the Khorytsia operational-strategic group, the AFU headquarters responsible for operations along a 300+ kilometer line of front that has been the scene of the war’s most intense fighting for more than a year, Zelensky said during a nightly evening national video statement. Drapaty already was commander of all AFU ground forces and will keep that job, the Ukrainian leader said.

HUR Denies Media Claims of Budanov’s ‘Peace Talks’ Warning

HUR Denies Media Claims of Budanov’s ‘Peace Talks’ Warning

Ukrainska Pravda’s claim that Budanov told lawmakers that “dangerous processes threatening Ukraine’s existence” could begin if negotiations don’t happen soon are denied by his team.

In a post on its Telegram channel Ukraine’s Military Intelligence (HUR) has denied claims made by Ukrainska Pravda that the head of the directorate Kyrylo Budanov, warned of a possible collapse of Ukraine if peace talks with Russia don’t start by summer.

“The alleged quote attributed to Budanov during a closed and classified session of the Verkhovna Rada does not reflect reality,” the agency statement said. It also urged media outlets to stop spreading “rumors and unverified information,” as the war with Russia continues.

British Defence Intelligence Update Ukraine 27 January 2025

British Defence Intelligence Update Ukraine 27 January 2025

Latest from the British Defence Intelligence.

  • In the northern Ukrainian oblast of Kharkiv, Russian forces have gradually expanded a bridgehead on the west bank of the Oskil river.The bridgehead was initially established in late November 2024, and since then Russian forces have made tactical advances in the area.
  • Russia’s focus in the area is the town of Dvorichna, which is contested between Russian and Ukrainian forces. Russia is also contesting for the town of Zapadne, 4km west from the Oskil.
  • Russia is almost certainly attempting to apply pressure to the logistics hub of Kupiansk, also located on the Oskil river, approximately 12 km south of the bridgehead. Russian forces already control the supply lines east and south of the city, and are likely attempting to take control over northern supply routes into the city.

EU Extends Sanctions on Russia After Hungary Ends Weeks of Resistance

EU Extends Sanctions on Russia After Hungary Ends Weeks of Resistance

To win Hungary over, the European Commission issued a statement promising to involve Hungary and Slovakia in talks with Kyiv about gas supplies to Europe.

The European Union has decided to extend its sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine after Hungary finally agreed on Monday, Jan. 27, ending weeks of stalling.

“EU foreign ministers just agreed to extend again the sanctions on Russia. This will continue to deprive Moscow of revenues to finance its war,” the bloc’s foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas wrote on X.

Ukraine’s Existence ‘At Risk’ Without Peace Talks by Summer, Says Intelligence Chief

Ukraine’s Existence ‘At Risk’ Without Peace Talks by Summer, Says Intelligence Chief

“Ukrainska Pravda” attributed this statement to Budanov, citing anonymous officials at the closed meeting, but other lawmakers say the publication distorted it. HUR has also denied the claim.

[UPDATES] As of 2:30 p.m., Ukraine’s Military Intelligence (HUR) issued an official statement denying the remarks attributed to its Head, Kyrylo Budanov, by the media outlet Ukrainska Pravda.

“The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine emphasizes that the alleged quote attributed to the head of the Directorate, reportedly from a closed and classified session of the Verkhovna Rada, does not correspond to reality,” the statement on Telegram read.

Up-Armored Ukrainian Leopard Tank Survives Multiple Russian FPV Drone Strikes

Up-Armored Ukrainian Leopard Tank Survives Multiple Russian FPV Drone Strikes

Russian UAV operators released a video that shows the armored vehicle being hit by as many as a dozen kamikaze drones before being eventually immobilized

“Karna La Vera (KLV)” is a milblogger that specializes in posting videos of military equipment being destroyed collected from both sides of the war in Ukraine. On Friday KLV posted a compilation recording on YouTube of a series of multiple Russian first-person view (FPV) attack drones striking a Ukrainian Leopard 1A5 main battle tank in an unidentified area of the combat zone.

While it is not possible to confirm that the images show the same main battle tank, the vehicle in the video has some common characteristics that suggest it does feature in each segment: it is carrying non-standard additional armored protection and has a distinctive, camouflaged “cope cage” covering the turret and crew compartment.

Ukrainian Cadet Plots to Adjust Russian Strikes on Classmates for Money – SBU

Ukrainian Cadet Plots to Adjust Russian Strikes on Classmates for Money – SBU

The cadet was reportedly motivated by financial rewards and was promised an extraction to Russia following the attack.

A Ukrainian cadet at a military institute was reportedly plotting to help Russia adjust missile strikes on the facility in Western Ukraine – with her classmates present – under promises of financial rewards and subsequent extraction to Russia.

In a Friday press release, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said the cadet was recruited by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), but it did not disclose details such as name, age, or where she came from. It also did not disclose how she was recruited.

Previewing US-Ukraine Relations in 2025

Previewing US-Ukraine Relations in 2025

Republicans now control the White House, the House of Representatives, and the Senate. What does this mean for US-Ukraine relations?

Following Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony on January 20, millions of Americans will be curious to see how his second term will unfold. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump promised to address US border security, immigration, the economy, and various other issues. Now that he has been elected and inaugurated, the American public will be curious to see if and how Trump delivers on these issues.

But the Americans will not be the only ones waiting to see how Trumps term unfolds. Thousands of miles away, millions of Ukrainians will also be preparing for the Trump presidency.

World Briefing: January 27, 2025

World Briefing: January 27, 2025

The world in focus, as seen by Canadian leading global affairs analyst Michael Bociurkiw in a quick review of the biggest news in international media today.

Under threats from President Trump that included steep tariffs, President Gustavo Petro of Colombia has relented and will allow U.S. military planes to fly deportees into the country, after turning two transports back in response to what he called inhumane treatment. The two leaders had engaged in a war of words on Sunday after Colombia’s move to block Mr. Trump’s use of military aircraft in deporting thousands of unauthorized immigrants. But on Sunday night, the White House released a statement in which it said that because Mr. Petro had agreed to all of its terms, the tariffs and sanctions Mr. Trump had threatened would be “held in reserve.” Other penalties, such as visa sanctions, will remain in effect until the first planeload of deportees has arrived in Colombia, the statement said. “Today’s events make clear to the world that America is respected again,” it added. Colombia’s foreign ministry released a statement soon afterward that said “we have overcome the impasse with the United States government.” It said the government would accept all deportation flights and “guarantee dignified conditions” for those Colombians on board. - NYT

Donald Trump’s spat with Colombia is a reminder of how his hardline approach will cause massive global disruption. The US president has already browbeaten Canada and Mexico over border issues, sought to force Denmark to sell Greenland, and threatened to take back the Panama Canal. Four years of such tactics could harm US global relationships and harden attitudes to Americans among foreign populations. The Colombia dispute quickly got the attention of China, which is seeking to increase its influence in Washington’s backyard — underscoring the potential downside for the United States if Trump chooses incessant confrontation that alienates key regional nations - CNN

Zelensky Urges Action Against ‘Evil’, on Auschwitz Anniversary

Zelensky Urges Action Against ‘Evil’, on Auschwitz Anniversary

Zelensky warned the that memory of the Holocaust is growing weaker and said some countries are still trying to destroy entire nations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday said the world must unite against evil, in comments marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz Nazi death.

The Kremlin launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 claiming that the government in Kyiv contained neo-Nazi elements and saying the country must be demilitarised.

Fico’s Coalition Critically Weakens as More MPs Withdraw Support – for Now

Fico’s Coalition Critically Weakens as More MPs Withdraw Support – for Now

More than 30 Slovak cities were swept by nationwide protests as citizens demanded Fico’s government end its pro-Russian policies and reaffirm Slovakia’s alignment with the EU and NATO.

As the government of Prime Minister Robert Fico faces mass demonstrations over its pro-Russian policies, the coalition crisis has reached a breaking point, with four MPs withdrawing support “for now”, leaving the government without a parliamentary majority.

More than 30 Slovak cities were swept by nationwide protests as citizens demanded Fico’s government end its pro-Russian policies and reaffirm Slovakia’s alignment with the EU and NATO. For the first time, citizens also openly called for his resignation.

NATO Shares Classified Weapons Recommendations With EU to Boost Defense Coordination

NATO Shares Classified Weapons Recommendations With EU to Boost Defense Coordination

According to Bloomberg, the goal is to “harmonize” the military forces of NATO member countries and improve interoperability among allies.

NATO has started sharing classified information about weapons standards with the European Union, Bloomberg reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. According to them, the goal is to “harmonize” the military forces of NATO member countries and improve interoperability among allies.

Central to this is standardizing military terms, such as weapons calibers, for all members. It will also help the EU create common rules for military and shared-use systems, including the use of radio communications frequencies.

Lukashenko Extends Three-Decade Belarus Rule, West Denounces Vote

Lukashenko Extends Three-Decade Belarus Rule, West Denounces Vote

With his opponents in prison or exiled, the 70-year-old ruler appeared to have won 87.6 percent of the vote, according to an official exit poll.

Belarus autocrat Alexander Lukashenko, in power since 1994, won a seventh consecutive term in office Sunday in an election denounced by the European Union and the exiled opposition.

With his opponents in prison or exiled, the 70-year-old ruler appeared to have won 87.6 percent of the vote, according to an official exit poll.

Impressions from Davos

Impressions from Davos

Key takeaways from the 2025 Davos World Economic Forum courtesy of renowned Swedish economic and political analyst Anders Aslund.

Each January, the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, attracts a flurry of international media attention, but this year, the event’s main talking point was US President Donald Trump. Strangely, the media savvy WEF opened the very day Trump was inaugurated. The biggest question on everyone’s lips in Davos was what Trump plans to do about Russia’s war in Ukraine.

This was the 11th year I attended the WEF. For many years, the WEF has rather hypocritically embraced liberal good causes that few business leaders actually believed in. In recent years, green energy and the combat of corruption have been favorite themes, but no longer. Only a few protesters dared to advocate green energy in the new Trump world. Instead, the Promenade in Davos was dominated by AI, with dubious slogans such as “Make AI work for you!” Many of the AI companies were obscure, reminiscent of the dotcom bubble.

ISW Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, January 26, 2025

ISW Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, January 26, 2025

Latest from the Institute for the Study of War.

Key Takeaways from the ISW:

  • Russian forces recently made further advances within Velyka Novosilka amid official Russian claims that Russian forces seized the entire settlement on January 26.
  • The Russian MoD notably is paying an abnormally high amount of fanfare to the claimed Russian seizure of Velyka Novosilka, very likely as part of informational efforts to shape Western perceptions of the battlefield situation in Ukraine and degrade international support for Ukraine.
  • The seizure and clearing of Velyka Novosilka will likely present opportunities and a decision point to the Russian military command on whether to redeploy elements of the Russian Eastern Military District [EMD] from the Velyka Novosilka area to other priority operational areas. Any redeployment of EMD elements from the Velyka Novosilka area over the coming weeks will indicate the Russian military command’s priority operational areas for offensive operations in Spring and Summer 2025.
  • Russian forces are poised to seize Toretsk in the coming days and a redeployment of elements of the EMD to reinforce the Russian force grouping in the Toretsk direction would indicate a new Russian priority effort to resume attacks in the direction of Kostyantynivka.
  • Ukrainian forces conducted a second strike on the Ryazan Oil Refinery in Ryazan Oblast on the night of January 25 to 26.
  • Ukrainian forces advanced in Kursk Oblast and regained positions in Toretsk.
  • Russian forces recently advanced near Borova, Pokrovsk, and Kurakhove.
  • Russian milbloggers criticized the Russian government on January 25 for not prioritizing the recruitment and training of Russia’s next generation of military officers.

EU Considers Deploying Troops to Monitor Potential Ukraine Ceasefire

EU Considers Deploying Troops to Monitor Potential Ukraine Ceasefire

EU Military Committee head Gen. Brieger suggested international forces ‘in the high five-digit range’ may be needed to monitor a Ukraine peace deal as Trump amps up pressure on Europe to end the war.

The European Union is exploring the possibility of deploying an international force to oversee a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, according to Gen. Robert Brieger, chairman of the EU Military Committee (EUMC).

Brieger said any such mission would likely require “high five-digit” troop numbers and could involve forces from outside Europe, including from the Global South.

USAID Suspends All Humanitarian Projects in Ukraine as Aid Freeze Takes Effect

USAID Suspends All Humanitarian Projects in Ukraine as Aid Freeze Takes Effect

USAID has halted all civilian projects in Ukraine following a surprise 90-day foreign aid freeze brought on by the new US President. Zelensky says military assistance remains unaffected.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has ordered an immediate suspension of all projects in Ukraine, following a State Department directive freezing most foreign aid for 90 days, Suspilne reported, citing sources inside the agency. 

The move is part of US President Donald Trump’s broad review of US funding abroad, which has already impacted multiple American-backed initiatives worldwide.

Trump Hits Colombia with 25% Tariffs, Threatens More in Revealing Deportation Standoff

Trump Hits Colombia with 25% Tariffs, Threatens More in Revealing Deportation Standoff

Trump immediately imposed tariffs on Colombia after deportation flights were denied landing, Bogotá quickly matched the move. The spat characterizes Trump’s volatile re-entrance onto the world stage.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday ordered sweeping tariffs and sanctions against Colombia in retaliation for its refusal to accept deportation flights, doubling down on his immigration crackdown as he sought to silence a chorus of defiance in Latin America.

Trump, back into office for less than a week, said he would impose tariffs of 25% on Colombian products that would rise to 50% in a week.