Christophe Kopp
@chkopp.bsky.social
French, ex GP and medical editor. Daily roundup of information about Ukraine and Russia based mostly on Ukrainian, Baltic, Nordic, Eastern European, Balkans open sources.
#StandWithUkraine
#StandWithUkraine
Reposted by Christophe Kopp
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The US wants to establish supply chains for critical minerals free of Chinese control. Threatening Greenland will isolate the US from the very partners it needs to achieve this.
If Trump wants 2026 to be a year of critical minerals collaboration, he must stop imperialist rhetoric on Greenland
The US wants to establish supply chains for critical minerals free of Chinese control. Disrespecting sovereignty and international law will isolate the country from the partners it needs to achieve th...
www.chathamhouse.org
January 18, 2026 at 8:31 AM
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Authorities said the findings pointed to loading operations carried out at a Russian port subject to EU sanctions." kyivindependent.com/italy-detain...
Italy detains vessel carrying metal for suspected Russia sanctions violations
The Brindisi Court approved the seizure of both the vessel and its cargo, which included 33,000 tons of ferrous metal.
kyivindependent.com
January 18, 2026 at 5:50 PM
Authorities said the findings pointed to loading operations carried out at a Russian port subject to EU sanctions." kyivindependent.com/italy-detain...
"According to Italian law enforcement, inspections uncovered "serious irregularities" in the ship's onboard documentation, as well as attempts to evade tracking systems.
January 18, 2026 at 5:50 PM
"According to Italian law enforcement, inspections uncovered "serious irregularities" in the ship's onboard documentation, as well as attempts to evade tracking systems.
"In any scenario, we will fight until our territories are liberated. Whether this is with support or without support from our partners, whether they recognize these territories as Russia’s or not. That does not depend on them." kyivindependent.com/how-ukraines...
How Ukraine organizes resistance in Russian-occupied territory
Resistance under Russian-occupation is beyond dangerous — even the smallest sign of supporting Ukraine can result in imprisonment, torture, and even death.
The list of documented war crimes against U...
kyivindependent.com
January 18, 2026 at 5:48 PM
"In any scenario, we will fight until our territories are liberated. Whether this is with support or without support from our partners, whether they recognize these territories as Russia’s or not. That does not depend on them." kyivindependent.com/how-ukraines...
Reposted by Christophe Kopp
Attention: The Ukrainian Centre for Combating Disinformation has released a statement refuting the claim circulating online that Ukraine provided the US with 'distorted intelligence' which Russia then used. The Centre also disputes claims about an 'inevitable breakdown' in the partnership. Thread:
Thread By @CforCD - ⚡️There is a false claim...
⚡️There is a false claim circulating online that Ukraine allegedly provided the US with “distorted intelligence” that was later used by russia. This is...
unrollnow.com
January 18, 2026 at 3:42 PM
Attention: The Ukrainian Centre for Combating Disinformation has released a statement refuting the claim circulating online that Ukraine provided the US with 'distorted intelligence' which Russia then used. The Centre also disputes claims about an 'inevitable breakdown' in the partnership. Thread:
"The calculation is straightforward: provoke a division and test whether NATO will 'break' and refuse to defend one of its members. This is likely what they're preparing for, and it's an entirely realistic scenario in the near future," global.espreso.tv/military-new...
Russia preparing to test NATO's Article 5 with limited attack
Russia cannot mount a large-scale military threat to NATO, but could challenge Article 5 by testing whether the Alliance would abandon a member under attack
global.espreso.tv
January 18, 2026 at 4:15 PM
"The calculation is straightforward: provoke a division and test whether NATO will 'break' and refuse to defend one of its members. This is likely what they're preparing for, and it's an entirely realistic scenario in the near future," global.espreso.tv/military-new...
Not a mistake, a consistent aim at Europe: bsky.app/profile/jorg...
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is now making an explicit link between the US desire to annex Greenland and the continuation of US support for Ukraine.
"What would happen in Ukraine if the US pulled its support out? The whole thing would collapse," Bessent told Meet The Press.
"What would happen in Ukraine if the US pulled its support out? The whole thing would collapse," Bessent told Meet The Press.
January 18, 2026 at 4:13 PM
Not a mistake, a consistent aim at Europe: bsky.app/profile/jorg...
Reposted by Christophe Kopp
Since Oct, not a single day has passed without a russian attack on our energy grid.
At the same time, we've been fed fairy tales abt russia "wanting peace" — used as a convenient excuse to slow down deliveries of badly needed air defences.
A russian crime against humanity is unfolding live.
At the same time, we've been fed fairy tales abt russia "wanting peace" — used as a convenient excuse to slow down deliveries of badly needed air defences.
A russian crime against humanity is unfolding live.
January 16, 2026 at 7:43 AM
Since Oct, not a single day has passed without a russian attack on our energy grid.
At the same time, we've been fed fairy tales abt russia "wanting peace" — used as a convenient excuse to slow down deliveries of badly needed air defences.
A russian crime against humanity is unfolding live.
At the same time, we've been fed fairy tales abt russia "wanting peace" — used as a convenient excuse to slow down deliveries of badly needed air defences.
A russian crime against humanity is unfolding live.
Reposted by Christophe Kopp
I am not romanticising at all; this is still a difficult test. The Russians have decided to freeze us to death in order to break us, but this is our only life and we have refused to be broken. If our defenders in frozen trenches can hold back the Russian advance, then so can we. 1/12
January 18, 2026 at 12:29 PM
I am not romanticising at all; this is still a difficult test. The Russians have decided to freeze us to death in order to break us, but this is our only life and we have refused to be broken. If our defenders in frozen trenches can hold back the Russian advance, then so can we. 1/12
"Remote mining units now use drones and ground-based robotic systems to obstruct the occupiers' routes of advance and effectively strike their forces and equipment." www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/202...
Almost 1,000 Russian troops wiped out by landmines in December – Ukraine's General Staff
Almost 1,000 Russian soldiers in Ukraine were killed by explosives laid by Ukrainian combat engineers in December.
www.pravda.com.ua
January 18, 2026 at 3:06 PM
"Remote mining units now use drones and ground-based robotic systems to obstruct the occupiers' routes of advance and effectively strike their forces and equipment." www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/202...
"The fundraiser, launched under the name "Warmth from Poland for Kyiv," initially aimed to collect 400,000 zloty ($110,000) to buy generators. After reaching the target quickly, organizers raised the goal to 2 million zloty ($550,000)." kyivindependent.com/fundraiser-r...
'Warmth from Poland' — Fundraiser raises $330,000 to buy generators for Kyiv as Russia targets energy
After quickly reaching the initial target, organizers raised the goal to 2 million zloty ($550,000).
kyivindependent.com
January 18, 2026 at 3:06 PM
"The fundraiser, launched under the name "Warmth from Poland for Kyiv," initially aimed to collect 400,000 zloty ($110,000) to buy generators. After reaching the target quickly, organizers raised the goal to 2 million zloty ($550,000)." kyivindependent.com/fundraiser-r...
Reposted by Christophe Kopp
My article for LLB: While Ukraine Bleeds, Trump turns on Europe londonlovesbusiness.com/while-ukrain...
This is, a dangerous moment.
This is, a dangerous moment.
While Ukraine bleeds, Trump turns on Europe - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
Trump's tariffs intensify tensions. Discover how his policies affect Europe while Ukraine bleeds amid escalating crises.
londonlovesbusiness.com
January 18, 2026 at 2:11 PM
My article for LLB: While Ukraine Bleeds, Trump turns on Europe londonlovesbusiness.com/while-ukrain...
This is, a dangerous moment.
This is, a dangerous moment.
Reposted by Christophe Kopp
This is key point - why is UK falling over itself to gain US “security guarantees” for Ukraine?
Given threats to Greenland, what are they worth? How many treaty commitments would US breach if it seized by force or coercion?
Answer is UK and France shirking responsibilities for defence of Europe
Given threats to Greenland, what are they worth? How many treaty commitments would US breach if it seized by force or coercion?
Answer is UK and France shirking responsibilities for defence of Europe
What European leaders have been most nervous about is the US pulling back on NATO or Ukraine… but how can Europe trust the US will come to its defense if its trying to seize territory from a NATO country. They can’t. So why cave to keep a security commitment that is not real. 6/
January 18, 2026 at 11:13 AM
This is key point - why is UK falling over itself to gain US “security guarantees” for Ukraine?
Given threats to Greenland, what are they worth? How many treaty commitments would US breach if it seized by force or coercion?
Answer is UK and France shirking responsibilities for defence of Europe
Given threats to Greenland, what are they worth? How many treaty commitments would US breach if it seized by force or coercion?
Answer is UK and France shirking responsibilities for defence of Europe
"the correct response to this moment is not weak statements of condemnation; it is to use this moment to spur the defense progress needed to build genuine strategic autonomy. " www.stimson.org/2026/greenla...
Greenland Should Be a Wake-Up Call for Europe • Stimson Center
US-European tensions over Greenland highlight the absurdity of today’s transatlantic relationship.
www.stimson.org
January 18, 2026 at 10:27 AM
"the correct response to this moment is not weak statements of condemnation; it is to use this moment to spur the defense progress needed to build genuine strategic autonomy. " www.stimson.org/2026/greenla...
Reposted by Christophe Kopp
Over 8,000 Poles have rallied to help Kyiv, raising money to purchase 100 power generators and power stations — and the total is still climbing by the minute. This is solidarity that matters: people stepping in so a city can keep its lights, heat, and life.
January 18, 2026 at 9:36 AM
Over 8,000 Poles have rallied to help Kyiv, raising money to purchase 100 power generators and power stations — and the total is still climbing by the minute. This is solidarity that matters: people stepping in so a city can keep its lights, heat, and life.
Reposted by Christophe Kopp
RUSSIA MOVES AIRBORNE UNITS BACK TO HULAIAPOLE
As the Greenland saga is exercising everyone’s bandwidth let’s not forget Ukraine.
The Russians moved airborne units back to Hulaiapole which is sure indication the Ukrainians are ripping Russian ground forces to shreds. If they do again what’s been
As the Greenland saga is exercising everyone’s bandwidth let’s not forget Ukraine.
The Russians moved airborne units back to Hulaiapole which is sure indication the Ukrainians are ripping Russian ground forces to shreds. If they do again what’s been
January 18, 2026 at 8:06 AM
RUSSIA MOVES AIRBORNE UNITS BACK TO HULAIAPOLE
As the Greenland saga is exercising everyone’s bandwidth let’s not forget Ukraine.
The Russians moved airborne units back to Hulaiapole which is sure indication the Ukrainians are ripping Russian ground forces to shreds. If they do again what’s been
As the Greenland saga is exercising everyone’s bandwidth let’s not forget Ukraine.
The Russians moved airborne units back to Hulaiapole which is sure indication the Ukrainians are ripping Russian ground forces to shreds. If they do again what’s been
"The exact name of the ship that was arrested has not been officially disclosed. It is highly likely that this is the bulk carrier HIZIR REIS, owned by the Turkish company Emiroglu Shipping." militarnyi.com/en/news/ital...
Italy's Financial Police Seize Cargo Ship for Violating Sanctions Against Russia - Militarnyi
Italy's financial police arrested a ship in the port of Brindisi for violating sanctions against Russia.
militarnyi.com
January 18, 2026 at 8:06 AM
"The exact name of the ship that was arrested has not been officially disclosed. It is highly likely that this is the bulk carrier HIZIR REIS, owned by the Turkish company Emiroglu Shipping." militarnyi.com/en/news/ital...
"more than 400,000 Russians signed a contract with the Ministry of Defense in 2025. Kirill Budanov, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, considers that in 2026 Russia plans to attract the same number of soldiers to the war." www.thebarentsobserver.com/news/russia-...
Russia recruits drunk villagers from the north as cannon fodder on the Ukrainian front
Military recruiters abduct men from their homes and force them to sign contracts, even if they are heavily intoxicated. Some of the men are killed in the first battle, the Barents Observer found out.
www.thebarentsobserver.com
January 18, 2026 at 8:04 AM
"more than 400,000 Russians signed a contract with the Ministry of Defense in 2025. Kirill Budanov, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, considers that in 2026 Russia plans to attract the same number of soldiers to the war." www.thebarentsobserver.com/news/russia-...
"The pro-Ukrainian partisan group Atesh says that additional Chechen forces are already being brought into the city to fully monopolize their influence over local resources." euromaidanpress.com/2026/01/17/r...
Russia to hand occupied Mariupol to Chechen Akhmat units as "payment" for loyalty — partisans report new forces arriving - Euromaidan Press
Mariupol's industrial capabilities are being transferred to Chechen control.
euromaidanpress.com
January 18, 2026 at 8:01 AM
"The pro-Ukrainian partisan group Atesh says that additional Chechen forces are already being brought into the city to fully monopolize their influence over local resources." euromaidanpress.com/2026/01/17/r...
"There is a world in which the alliance would continue to hum along, but without the underlying trust that has sat at the foundation of NATO since its creation some 75 years ago.” www.economist.com/europe/2026/...
America’s hunger for Greenland is tearing NATO apart
Donald Trump could gain an island and lose a continent
www.economist.com
January 18, 2026 at 8:01 AM
"There is a world in which the alliance would continue to hum along, but without the underlying trust that has sat at the foundation of NATO since its creation some 75 years ago.” www.economist.com/europe/2026/...
"Moscow is planning to strike substations connected to Ukraine’s three active nuclear plants in western and southern Ukraine to completely disconnect Ukrainians from heat and power," kyivindependent.com/ukraine-face...
Russia seeks to disconnect Ukraine's nuclear power plants, HUR says, risking potential meltdown
Disconnecting Ukraine's nuclear power plants would take the crisis one step further — Ukrainians would be fully cut off from electricity and heating in subzero temperatures.
kyivindependent.com
January 18, 2026 at 8:00 AM
"Moscow is planning to strike substations connected to Ukraine’s three active nuclear plants in western and southern Ukraine to completely disconnect Ukrainians from heat and power," kyivindependent.com/ukraine-face...
"The group claimed that the sabotage operation disrupted power supply to Polpinskaya railway station, which supplies Russian equipment and ammunition to the front line in Ukraine." kyivindependent.com/pro-ukrainia...
Pro-Ukrainian partisans sabotage electrical substation in Russia's Bryansk Oblast, group claims
The Atesh partisan group sabotaged an electrical substation in Russia's Bryansk Oblast, disrupting power supply to "key" components of Russia's war machine, the group claimed in a Telegram post on Jan...
kyivindependent.com
January 18, 2026 at 8:00 AM
"The group claimed that the sabotage operation disrupted power supply to Polpinskaya railway station, which supplies Russian equipment and ammunition to the front line in Ukraine." kyivindependent.com/pro-ukrainia...
with Europe remaining structurally incapable of imposing meaningful costs below the Article 5 threshold." www.globsec.org/what-we-do/c...
www.globsec.org
January 17, 2026 at 5:59 PM
with Europe remaining structurally incapable of imposing meaningful costs below the Article 5 threshold." www.globsec.org/what-we-do/c...
"Europe still lacks credible hybrid deterrence. The West’s failure to establish deterrence thresholds for hybrid warfare has created a strategic vacuum that Russia will exploit,
January 17, 2026 at 5:59 PM
"Europe still lacks credible hybrid deterrence. The West’s failure to establish deterrence thresholds for hybrid warfare has created a strategic vacuum that Russia will exploit,
The Ukrainians have been able to innovate in an extraordinary way, while other partners and industries were faster than us and also less arrogant.” defence24.com/geopolitics/...
Macron furious with the defence industry. “This is not a war economy”
Emmanuel Macron has publicly questioned the pace and scale of activity of the French defence industry, stressing that despite declarations in recent years France is neither functioning in nor implemen...
defence24.com
January 17, 2026 at 5:59 PM
The Ukrainians have been able to innovate in an extraordinary way, while other partners and industries were faster than us and also less arrogant.” defence24.com/geopolitics/...