Chuck Holton
Politics • Culture • News
Ukraine War Update – What’s Happening and Where
January 27, 2025
post photo preview
Current State of the War

 

Hey everyone, let’s break down the latest developments in Ukraine, along with some geographical context so you can understand the bigger picture.


Russian Advances in Velyka Novosilka

  • Where Is It? Velyka Novosilka is a settlement in Donetsk Oblast, in eastern Ukraine. It’s located along a front line that has seen heavy fighting throughout the war. Think of it as part of the larger Donbas region, which Russia has been trying to dominate since 2014.
  • What’s Happening? Russian forces claim they’ve taken control of most of Velyka Novosilka, a key step if they want to push further west toward the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast boundary, a major region in central Ukraine. If Russia keeps advancing here, it could cut off key Ukrainian supply lines to the east.

Strategic Implications

  • Why Does This Matter? The Donbas region, including Donetsk Oblast, has always been a focal point of the war. Russia sees it as a critical piece of its goal to secure territory in eastern Ukraine. By gaining control here, Russia could pivot to other active fronts like:
    • Kupyansk: In northeastern Ukraine, where Russia aims to stretch Ukrainian defenses.
    • Chasiv Yar and Toretsk: Towns near Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast, still hot zones of conflict.
    • Pokrovsk: A more western point in Donetsk, key for deeper incursions.

Ukrainian Counteractions

  • Where’s the Ryazan Oil Refinery? This refinery is in Russia’s Ryazan Oblast, about 200 kilometers southeast of Moscow. While not in Ukraine, it’s crucial because it supplies fuel to Russian military equipment used in the war.
  • What Happened? Ukrainian forces hit the refinery with drones, causing a fire in one of the tanks. This is part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to disrupt Russia’s supply chains and make it harder for their military to operate effectively.

Bigger Picture

  • The fighting in Donetsk Oblast highlights how contested eastern Ukraine remains. Russia is pushing west from its occupied territories in Donbas, while Ukraine is countering by striking Russian logistics and infrastructure.
  • Places like Velyka Novosilka may not seem significant on their own, but they’re part of a larger chessboard where control over towns and supply lines can shift the momentum of the war.

What’s Next? With these gains, Russia might focus on consolidating its control in the east or move forces to other hotspots. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s counteroffensives, including strikes on Russian supply chains, will likely continue to shape the battlefield.

Let me know what you think—does Russia’s push in Donbas seem like a game-changer, or is Ukraine’s strategy of targeting logistics the real key to turning the tide? Share your thoughts below!

community logo
Join the Chuck Holton Community
To read more articles like this, sign up and join my community today
9
What else you may like…
Videos
Podcasts
Posts
Articles
September 18, 2025
Benjamin Netanyahu Explains the Israeli Economy

Netanyahu was once Israeli Finance Minister - and it shows. He understands a lot about economics, and is worth listening to in order to get a sense for where Israel's economy is headed.

00:08:49
September 12, 2025
Video of Kirk’s Killer

BREAKING: The FBI and state of Utah have just released video of the Charlie Kirk kiIIer escaping from the scene following the shooting

He jumped off the rooftop, moved quickly through the parking lot, and then began walking casually to blend in before entering a wooded area.

He was wearing converse tennis shoes, a shirt with an eagle, and a baseball cap with a triangle.

00:00:43
September 07, 2025
Houthi Drone Strikes Israel - Two Wounded

Three Houthi drones were fired at Israel on Sunday. Two were shot down and the third struck the airport in Eilat, Wounding to his Israelis and causing the airspace to be shut down.

00:00:07
Episode 622 - Field Producer Dennis Azato and Chuck Reminisce

My erstwhile field producer and cameraman Dennis Azato has accompanied me on ten years of adventures across the globe. Today he joins me in Ukraine and we spend some time remembering our many trips together.

Episode 622 - Field Producer Dennis Azato and Chuck Reminisce

“They Found THE MONEY Funding ANTIFA RIOTS!!! 60K views · 1 hour ago...more Dr. Steve Turley

&
“Canada ERUPTS as Mexican Cartels Do The UNTHINKABLE!
55K views · 1 day ago ...more
PJ The Belt

So BLESSED to be of leadeeehip as President Trump who closed boarders and BLESSED with Clean Up Crews/Defense Forces as Military, Law Enforcement, ICE and such - with extra BLESSINGS in Florida with a Governor such as Governor DeSantis & His Team Such As OUTSTANDING Sheriff Grady working with ICE et such:

"INVASION" Mob STRIKES Chicago Jail… FRONTLINE Marines IGNORE Judge, SMASH Illegals 302K views · 6 hours ago

“ICE & Sheriff Grady BUST Florida Human Trafficking Ring | 255 Arrested 9.2K views · 2 days ago [about some such Great busts]

Looters EMPTY 63 LA Stores… Mayor PANICS as "Sanctuary" DEVOURS ITSELF
330K views · 12 hours ago

ICE DESTROYS Chinese Cartel Operation in Florida - 370 Pounds of Cocaine Seized AND 30 Captured!
22K views · 7 days ago

"And who is like Your people Israel, the one nation on the earth whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people—to make for Yourself a name by great and awesome deeds, by driving out nations from before Your people whom You redeemed from Egypt? For You have made Your people Israel Your very own people forever; and You, Lord, have become their God."
(1 Chronicles 17: 21-22)

U.S. Special Operations Reportedly Operating in Mexico: The Quiet War on the Cartels

There are new and highly intriguing reports surfacing this week about what’s happening just south of the border — and if true, they could mark a major escalation in America’s shadow war against the drug cartels.

According to intelligence sources cited by a subscriber-only security publication — not some fringe outlet, but one with a track record of accurate insider reporting — U.S. Special Operations Forces are operating on the ground in Baja California, Mexico, conducting intelligence-gathering missions and possibly direct-action raids against cartel targets.

Now, before we go any further, let’s be clear: Washington will never officially confirm this. If it’s happening, it’s deeply classified and deniable. But the evidence is mounting that something significant is underway.

 

What “Special Operations” Really Means

When people hear “Special Forces,” they think of one big secret army. In reality, America’s elite units operate on a tiered hierarchy.

  • Tier One unitsDelta Force and SEAL Team 6 — answer almost directly to the President through the Joint Special Operations Command. These are the surgical instruments of U.S. foreign policy.

  • Supporting them are the Army Rangers (the “kickoff team” for special operations), Green Berets (trainers and force multipliers), Task Force 160th helicopter pilots (the best on Earth), and specialized Air Force pararescueand Marine Raider units.

Only for Supporters
To read the rest of this article and access other paid content, you must be a supporter
Read full Article
post photo preview
Crossing the Next Red Line: Tomahawks, Tariffs, and Trump’s High-Stakes Ukraine Dilemma

What’s happening right now could represent a technological red line in the war—and it’s one that could redefine the conflict entirely.

President Trump is weighing whether to approve the transfer of American Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine. If that happens, it will mark one of the most dramatic shifts in U.S. military support since this war began.

Moscow is furious, calling it a “serious escalation.” Kyiv says it’s “essential for survival.”
Frankly, that’s an understatement.

 

The Drone War That Changed Everything

Ukraine’s transformation over the last few years has been astonishing. Their military has evolved from a ragtag defense force into one of the most agile, creative, and tech-savvy fighting organizations in the world.

You’ve probably seen the footage—Ukrainian drones hunting Russian armor, tanks, and troop columns. They’re using tens of thousands of small suicide drones to devastate Russian advances. Just this month, Russia tried two large armored assaults. Both were completely wiped out by swarms of drones.

That’s the new reality of warfare—cheap, precise, and relentless.

Only for Supporters
To read the rest of this article and access other paid content, you must be a supporter
Read full Article
post photo preview
How Hope for Ukraine Is Changing Lives!

In the midst of war and hardship, Hope for Ukraine is boots-on-the-ground bringing light where there’s darkness. Founded in 2016, this U.S. nonprofit delivers food, shelter, medical aid, and even solar power to families caught in the conflict. They’ve already provided more than 93 million meals and partner with over a hundred local teams to reach people where help is needed most. They put 90% of every dollar straight into saving lives and rebuilding hope. Learn more or get involved at https://hfu.org/

Only for Supporters
To read the rest of this article and access other paid content, you must be a supporter
Read full Article
See More
Available on mobile and TV devices
google store google store app store app store
google store google store app tv store app tv store amazon store amazon store roku store roku store
Powered by Locals