NATO's preparation for possible war in Europe and drone attack on Russia: Weekend brief

Russia's war against Ukraine

News for January 20:

• Russian forces attacked Ukraine with Shahed drones overnight;

• Attack on Russian oil depot: Drone allegedly shot down in Bryansk region;

• HIMARS destroyed Russian Grad in Southern Ukraine - Video;
• Battles near Avdiivka: Occupiers storm with minimal equipment.

News for January 21:

• Russian troops launched Shaheds in Southern Ukraine: Air defense update;

• Intelligence statement of North Korean weapons supply to Russia;

• ISW reports capture of Krohmalne: Armed Forces provide explanation;
• Aircraft repair plant attacked in Russian Smolensk region: Source.

Drone attack on Russia

On the night of January 21, an explosion occurred near the oil terminal of the Sea Commercial Port in the town of Ust-Luga in the Leningrad region.

The citizens of nearby towns near the port reported the sounds of flying drones. Later, a fire broke out. About 150 people had to be evacuated from the company.

RBC-Ukraine's sources said that this special operation was the work of the Security Service of Ukraine.

The blows in Russia that night occurred not only in the oil terminal area. In addition, explosions were also heard in the Russian city of Tula, where the Shcheglovsky Val plant for the production of Pantsyr air defense systems was attacked.

This attack was the work of Ukrainian intelligence officers. Read more in the RBC-Ukraine article.

NATO prepares for possible war in Europe: Admiral gives advice to public

NATO admiral advises people to prepare for war and provides recommendations, according to Leidsch Dagblad .

After a two-day meeting of NATO's military committee in Brussels, three military chiefs hinted that the alliance is preparing for war in Europe.

"You need to have water you need to have a radio on batteries and you need to have a flashlight on batteries to make sure that you can survive the first 36 hours," said NATO Admiral Rob Bauer.

The advice for citizens to prepare confirms Bauer's statements that in the event of war, cooperation from the entire society will be necessary.

Bauer stated that for decades, there had been the notion of relying on professional armies to address security issues in Afghanistan or Iraq. He emphasized that for a new war, such a professional army would be insufficient. Accordingly, he suggested the need to reconsider systems such as military conscription or the activation of reservists.

Russians mined Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant again: IAEA reveals details

Russians have reportedly placed mines on the territory of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. This action is said to violate the safety standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), according to the IAEA website.

On January 18, IAEA experts again visited the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), including all 6 main control rooms. They could determine the number of personnel at the station but could not inquire about their qualifications and experience.

Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, said they mined the cooling pool, which "will cause significant problems when it is blown up."

He also emphasized that the enemy, after blowing up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, destroyed the access of water to the coolers at the ZNPP.

Zelenskyy responds to concessions on territories for signing peace agreement with Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to whether he is prepared to cede territory for the signing of a peace agreement with the Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, according to his interview with the British television channel Channel 4 News.

"Can you ever imagine signing a peace paper with Vladimir Putin that involves you saying goodbye to Crimea or to Donbas?" the journalist asked.

The President of Ukraine responded that the Russian dictator should be stopped to prevent a repetition of aggression in a few years.

"No. If we want to stop him, if the world wants not to come this back again, this aggression, in some years, better to manage it," replied Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy: No immediate need to mobilize half a million

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with Channel 4 News stated that he currently does not see the need to mobilize half a million people into the army.

"I personally do not currently see the need to mobilize half a million people... Not because I want to please someone right now. It's just that life, life is the number one priority. The second aspect is about appropriate actions and operations. So today, I haven't seen clear enough details to say that we need to mobilize half a million," he stated.

British Ministry of Defense: EU must make sure Ukraine can defend itself

The European Union needs to make sure that Ukraine can defend itself, and this requires more aid, stated British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps in his interview for BBC.

The British Defense Secretary emphasized that "it is now not only the United States but Europe that has to step up and do its part to ensure that Ukraine can continue to defend itself."

"Britain, again, as in other things, is leading the way with a £2.5 billion package and a security agreement, a cooperation agreement with President Zelenskyy and Ukraine," Shapps said.

U.S., Egypt and Qatar propose new peace plan for Middle East

The United States, Egypt, and Qatar have proposed a new peace plan for the Middle East that would begin with the release of hostages and eventually lead to the withdrawal of Israeli troops and an end to the war in the Gaza Strip.

Eastern Europe must fight for freedom against Russians - Duda

Eastern Europe must fight for freedom against the Russian invaders. That is why it is so important to support Ukraine in its war against Russia, said the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, during a press conference with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda.

"In a sense, unfortunately, it is our tradition to fight for freedom against the Russian invaders. That is why it is so important for both of us and for our part of Europe to support Ukraine today," he emphasized.

Duda added that a few days ago, they had already discussed the issue of assistance to Ukraine at the Davos Economic Forum, where support for Kyiv was one of the most important items on the agenda.