The russian troops that invaded Ukraine are suffering increasing losses. In January of this year, they lost 9,000 more soldiers killed and wounded than they were able to recruit to their army over the same period of time. This was reported by the leading American business information agency Bloomberg, citing sources in the authorities of Western countries. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-11/russian-war-losses-now-exceed-recruitment-western-officials-say

At the same time, despite heavy losses, the russians have not managed to achieve noticeable successes on the battlefield. Western military analysts attribute the increased combat effectiveness of the Ukrainian troops primarily to the improvement of its drones. As previously reported by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrsky, the russian army lost about 32 thousand soldiers killed and wounded in January.

It is worth noting that the russians are suffering losses not only in the combat zone. The other day, in the russian capital, moscow, the first deputy head of the main administration of the russian general staff, lieutenant general alekseev, was seriously wounded by gunfire. This high-ranking general has played an important role in the russian aggression against Ukraine since 2014. After 2022, he was accused of war crimes. He has also been under US sanctions since 2016 (for interference in the elections) and under EU sanctions since 2019 (for involvement in the poisoning). In 2024-2025, three russian generals who played an important role in the aggression against Ukraine died in moscow under various circumstances.

How russians are shooting themselves in the foot

It is not surprising that, given the disappointing news from the front and the increasingly worsening economic situation, the russian authorities have resorted to blocking the social networks WhatsApp, Telegram, and YouTube. In this way, moscow seeks to strengthen control over society and prevent the growth of protest sentiments. However, in reality, the russians have shot themselves in the foot. After all, the biggest problems due to this blocking have arisen in the russian military, who are fighting against Ukraine. They did not have time to recover after Elon Musk cut off their Starlink (we wrote about it here https://joinuarmy.org/en/all-news/the-collapse-of-russian-communications/), when their own authorities cut off their Telegram. And this social network, according to russian soldiers, played an important role in exchanging information and fighting against drones. Now they are asking their ruler in video messages to intervene in the situation and stop the blocking.

The intimidated russian society does not dare to protest, but only humbly asks the authorities and the ruler putin personally to return their messengers. Individual deputies of the russian parliament also expressed their disagreement, but the generally obedient russian parliament did not even dare to discuss this problem at its meeting.

Record aid to Ukraine

In 2026, Ukraine will receive $ 36 billion from partner states to strengthen its defense. This was announced by the Minister of Defense of Ukraine following the meeting of the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine. He noted that this is one of the largest budgets to support Ukraine.

Of this amount, more than $ 2.5 billion is provided for the production of Ukrainian drones, more than $ 2 billion for air defense, $ 500 million for the purchase of American weapons, as well as funds for artillery ammunition, personnel training, naval capabilities and other areas. A separate agreement is on the urgent delivery of anti-aircraft missiles to Patriot.

Among the largest donors are Great Britain, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark.

Ukraine and France deepen cooperation

The Ministers of Defense of Ukraine and France signed a Letter of Intent on joint production of weapons. This agreement paves the way for the implementation of large joint projects in the defense-industrial sector. The parties agreed on key priorities for defense cooperation. In addition, within the framework of the delegation meeting, the French side informed about the preparation for the transfer to Ukraine of additional Mirage aircraft and guided aerial bombs and long-range weapons. The parties paid special attention to the development of Ukraine's air defense.

Earlier, a similar agreement on cooperation in the defense-industrial sector was signed by the Ministers of Defense of Ukraine and Great Britain.

Moldova recognizes the merits of Ukrainians

Moldova's President Maia Sandu rejected the proposal for a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize, emphasizing that the real heroes are Ukrainian prisoners of war and those who sacrifice themselves for peace in the region.

They wanted to nominate her "for her active role in protecting democracy, the rule of law and peace in the country." In response, Sandu thanked them, but noted that there are more worthy candidates for this high award, in particular those who really sacrifice themselves for peace and security. Thus, the head of Moldova recognizes that at the forefront of protecting democracy and the rule of law are Ukrainian soldiers who defend Europe from russian imperialism.