For today, links to five reports: from Reuters, the Moscow Times, the Kyiv Independent, and Moon of Alabama; others are accessible by clicking on their names below. (GAZA and SYRIA entries for this date are HERE and HERE.) — MCM   

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Russia says it is hitting Ukrainian forces in Kursk region. From Reuters. Russia’s defence ministry said today its troops had inflicted heavy strikes on Ukrainian units in Russia’s western Kursk region, where Ukraine’s military reported an escalation in fighting in the previous 24 hours. READ MORE . . . Click HERE and HERE for report from the Moscow Times and the Kyiv Independent.

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FROM JAN. 6  ‘Negative lesson’ — Ground forces chief acknowledges desertions, mismanagement in French-trained brigade, by Tim Zadorozhnyy and Emmanuelle Chaze | The Kyiv Independent  Mykhailo Drapatyi, commander of Ukraine’s Ground Forces, on Monday acknowledged significant challenges within the French-trained 155th “Anne of Kyiv” Mechanized Brigade, including high desertion rates and poor organization. READ MORE . . . Click HERE and scroll down for Jan. 2 report from Moon of Alabama.