Victorious news of 698th day of war: military aid from Poland, destruction of Russian heavy equipment in southern Ukraine

Ukraine exports record amount of grain via the Black Sea in December

In December last year, Ukraine exported a record amount of agricultural products through the Black Sea since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. This is reported by the Military Courier with reference to UK intelligence.

In December, Ukraine's exports exceeded the monthly volumes achieved under the grain deal, which was mediated by the UN and Turkey, with ships inspected by Russian representatives.

"Ukraine has achieved this because it has not allowed the Russian Black Sea Fleet to operate in the western part of the Black Sea. There, it is under threat from Ukrainian missiles and unmanned surface ships," UK intelligence explains.

Russia loses powerful Tulip self-propelled mortar in Tavria sector

In the area of responsibility of the Tavria operational and strategic grouping of troops, Russia lost almost 400 people and almost a hundred pieces of equipment over the last day. 

This was reported by the commander of the Tavria forces, Oleksandr Tarnavskyi.  

"A powerful Russian self-propelled mortar of 240 mm caliber 2C4 Tulip, which the enemy was trying to break our fortifications with, was destroyed," said General Tarnavskyi.

In total, the Russian troops launched 18 airstrikes, conducted 29 combat engagements and fired 930 artillery rounds over the last day, but Ukrainian defenders are holding the line and conducting active operations in the designated areas.

"Total Russian losses amounted to 399 people and 97 pieces of military equipment over the last day. In particular, 7 tanks, 18 armored personnel carriers, 13 artillery systems, 37 UAVs, 17 vehicles and 3 units of special equipment. The Russian ammunition depot and one other important enemy object were destroyed. Together we will win! Glory to Ukraine!" said Commander Tarnavskyi.

Poland announces new aid package for Ukraine

On January 22, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a new defense package for Ukraine. This was reported by the president's press service.

"There is a new Polish defense package. We appreciate such constant assistance. There is a new form of our cooperation for the sake of a larger scale of arms purchases for Ukrainian needs. This is a Polish loan for Ukraine. Today, Mr. Prime Minister and I also discussed the possibilities of joint future arms production," Zelenskyy said.

Photo: twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa

The parties also discussed security guarantees. According to the President, Poland is ready to start bilateral talks on this issue.

In Kyiv, Tusk also announced the name of a candidate for the post of Commissioner for the Reconstruction of Ukraine.

"My delegation also includes Pawel Kowal, who will be appointed by the government as a commissioner for the reconstruction of Ukraine. We will want to take a very active part not only in helping Ukraine in the war with Russia, but also in the reconstruction process," Tusk said.

Ukrainian troops destroy Russian heavy equipment in southern sector

Thanks to aerial reconnaissance, a Grad multiple rocket launcher system and cannons were discovered and destroyed in the southern sector. This was reported by the press service of the Special Operations Forces.

"While conducting reconnaissance in the southern direction, operators of the 73rd Marine Center of the Ukrainian Armed Forces discovered enemy heavy equipment - a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher, 152-mm Hyacinth-B and D-20 towed guns," the statement says. "The BM-21 Grad was targeted by HIMARS. As a result of the strike, the MLRS was destroyed. The operators struck at the Hyacinth-B and D-20 with attack drones, damaging the guns and putting them out of action.”