550,000 ‘without power’ in Russia after Ukrainian bombardment

Ukraine the Latest – January 13th, 2024: A Detailed Summary

Key Concepts:

• Dark Tourism: Travel to sites associated with death and suffering, increasingly observed in Ukraine.
• Hybrid Warfare: Russia’s multifaceted approach to destabilization, including disinformation, cyberattacks, and economic pressure.
• Shadow Fleet: A network of vessels used by Russia to circumvent sanctions and transport goods.
• Transnistria: A Russian-backed separatist region in Moldova, posing a geopolitical risk.
• EU Accession: Moldova and Ukraine’s path towards membership in the European Union.
• Russian Energy Warfare: Targeting of energy infrastructure in Ukraine as a tactic of war.
• UN Security Council Inaction: Perceived lack of adequate response from the UN regarding Russian attacks on civilians.

1. Military Updates & Russian Attacks (January 13th, 2024)

A large-scale Russian aerial attack overnight left approximately 70% of Kyiv without power. The attack involved ballistic missiles and 293 Shahed-type drones, of which 240 were intercepted. However, enough drones and missiles penetrated Ukrainian air defenses to cause significant damage. Specifically, the areas of BHA Hostel and Pin those north of Kyiv are without power and water. Ukraine’s grid operator, Ukraineo, implemented emergency power outages in Kyiv and the wider Oblast. Vitali Saienko, Ukraine’s chief exec, stated Russia aims to disconnect Kyiv and force population displacement.

DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, reported its thermal power plants were attacked for the eighth time since October. The air force reported 18 ballistic missiles, 7 cruise missiles, and 293 Shahed drones were launched. Four people were killed in Kharkiv, including casualties from a drone strike on a children’s medical facility and a Nova Poshta (state postal office) building. Odessa also experienced power outages affecting thousands.

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba condemned the attacks, highlighting the sub-zero temperatures (-15°C) and accusing Russia of deliberately targeting energy infrastructure to deprive civilians of essential services. He called for sustained support for Ukraine and increased pressure on Moscow, characterizing the war as “genocidal.” Kuleba criticized the UN Security Council for prioritizing other issues over the attacks on Ukrainian civilians.

2. UN Response & International Condemnation

The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting, but the attacks received limited prominence on the UN website homepage. Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo acknowledged the intensified attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, resulting in civilian casualties and widespread power outages.

US Deputy Ambassador to the UN Tammy Bruce condemned the attacks as a “mockery of the cause of peace” and urged Russia to match words with deeds.

3. Ukrainian Strikes within Russia & Black Sea Activity

Ukrainian forces reportedly struck targets in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast, causing power outages and prompting the governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, to search for “internal enemies” and monitor for attempts to destabilize the region. Gladkov reported over half a million residents without power and warned of “catastrophic” energy capacity losses.

In the Black Sea, the Russian city of Taganrog was hit by drones, reportedly targeting the Atlant Aero plant, a manufacturer of Russian Orion drones and electronic warfare equipment. The Security Service of Ukraine (SPU) claimed responsibility, stating the strike disrupted drone production.

Two civilian ships were attacked by Russian drones in an undisclosed location in the Black Sea. One ship, flagged to Panama, sustained crew injuries while transporting vegetable oil. The other, flagged to San Marino, continued its journey with a cargo of corn.

Reports (unconfirmed at the time of the podcast) indicated the Russian tanker Delta Harmony was on fire near Novorossiysk after being hit by drones.

4. Diplomatic & Geopolitical Context (Francis Durnley’s Analysis)

The war in Ukraine has now surpassed the duration of the Soviet Union’s fight against Nazi Germany. This highlights Ukraine’s success in stalling the Russian advance. The podcast noted the recent approval of new defense and digital transformation ministers in Ukraine as a symbolic moment. Norway announced a €340 million emergency funding package for Ukraine’s energy sector.

President Zelenskyy signaled to President Trump that oil flows could be stopped with political will, suggesting leverage against Russia. He also posted a statement in Persian supporting protests in Iran, framing it as a broader struggle against authoritarianism. Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on trade with the US for countries doing business with Iran could indirectly impact Russia’s economic partners.

Former British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace questioned whether Russia would be exempt from Trump’s tariffs. Discussions also centered on efforts to disrupt Russia’s “shadow fleet” used for sanctions evasion.

5. Dark Tourism in Ukraine (Anna Emtt Martin’s Report)

“Dark tourism” – travel to sites associated with death and suffering – is increasing in Ukraine. While primarily driven by domestic tourism, there’s a growing number of international visitors. Tourist tax revenue increased by 36% in 2025 compared to 2024. The phenomenon is driven by a desire for adrenaline and experiencing the conflict firsthand.

Former Tourism Secretary Anna Romanova argued that any information coming from Ukraine is positive, countering disinformation and maintaining international attention. However, some tour guides and locals express discomfort with the perceived ghoulishness and potential risks associated with “dark tourism.”

6. Interview with Moldovan President Maia Sandu (Adrian Bloomfield’s Report)

President Sandu was named the Telegraph’s World Leader of the Year due to her leadership during the 2025 parliamentary election, which was crucial for preventing Russian influence and maintaining Moldova’s pro-European trajectory. The election was targeted by extensive Russian interference, including illicit financing, disinformation campaigns, and cyberattacks.

Sandu emphasized that Moldova is a “testing ground” for Russian hybrid warfare and that the target is ultimately Europe. She highlighted the importance of EU accession as a survival strategy for Moldova. She also noted Moldova’s success in reducing its dependence on Russian energy.

Sandu described the challenges of leadership, including the constant scrutiny and the need to balance internal reforms with external threats. She acknowledged the personal toll of the role and the importance of maintaining public trust. She emphasized that Russia’s ultimate ambition is to control the continent.

7. Conclusion & Key Takeaways

The situation in Ukraine remains critical, with Russia continuing its attacks on civilian infrastructure. International support is vital, but concerns remain about the effectiveness of the UN response and the potential for a premature peace deal that rewards Russian aggression. Moldova’s resilience and commitment to European integration are crucial for regional stability. The rise of “dark tourism” presents a complex ethical dilemma. The podcast underscores the ongoing nature of hybrid warfare and the need for vigilance against Russian interference in democratic processes.