Hostages released; Ukraine striking further into Russia

THE WAR NEWSLETTER — JAN 20 2025

Today’s email brings you news from Israel and Ukraine.

1 - ISRAEL

1 thing to know

Three Israeli hostages were released on Sunday after 471 days in Hamas captivity. 

The context 

On the first day of the ceasefire agreement, Emily Damari (28), Romi Gonen (24), and Doron Steinbrecher (31) were freed in Gaza City and transferred to Israeli custody via the Red Cross.

In exchange, Israel released2 90 Palestinian security prisoners, including 69 women (one minor), eight male minors, and 12 men sentenced for relatively minor offenses. 

More from the region

• This marks the beginning of a 42-day ceasefire that includes the planned release of 33 Israeli hostages in this first "humanitarian phase." Hamas has not confirmed all of these hostages are alive, though.

• Currently, 91 of the original 251 hostages taken on October 7, 2023, remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 34 confirmed dead by the IDF.

• Hamas staged a public handover ceremony in Gaza City's Saraya Square, with masked gunmen and supporters present.

• The agreement includes provisions for humanitarian aid, with over 630 trucks entering Gaza on Sunday.

• Israeli far-right minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who resigned from the government over the deal, criticizes the ceasefire as a "surrender" to Hamas, though he welcomes the hostages' return.

• Palestinians, both civilians and Hamas members, are cheering the ceasefire agreement. They claim that Hamas “won” the war, and have already resumed calling for the destruction of Israel and the killing of Jews.

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TECH SPOTLIGHT: CV90

The Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90) is a highly versatile armored fighting vehicle. Developed by Swedish companies BAE Systems and Saab Bofors in the late 1980s, this tracked vehicle was specifically designed to handle the harsh Nordic climate, capable of navigating through deep snow and wetlands while carrying up to eight fully equipped soldiers.

What makes the CV90 particularly interesting is its adaptability. While the basic version comes with a powerful autocannon, there are variants equipped with everything from mortars to anti-aircraft weapons. The latest models feature some fascinating tech, including an "iFighting" system that helps the crew make faster decisions by combining data from various sensors.

What it’s used for

The CV90 first saw action with Swedish UN forces in Liberia in 2004, but it really proved its worth in Afghanistan, where Norwegian and Danish forces used it extensively between 2007 and 2010. The vehicle gained a reputation for protecting its crews - even when hit by powerful improvised explosive devices (IEDs), the CV90 often kept its occupants safe.

Today, the CV90 is used by seven European nations: Sweden, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, Netherlands, Denmark, and Estonia.

2 - UKRAINE

1 thing to know

Ukrainian forces have struck multiple Russian military manufacturing forces with drones and missiles.

The context

Ukrainian forces launched a series of strikes against key Russian military targets. On January 15 to 16, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces and other units targeted an oil refinery in Voronezh Oblast and a gunpowder plant in Tambov Oblast, causing fires and disrupting Russian military logistics.

On January 17 to 18, Ukrainian forces struck oil depots in Kaluga and Tula oblasts, again igniting fires and damaging vital fuel supplies for Russian forces. Ukrainian forces also targeted Russian air defense systems, including a "Nebo-SVU" radar in Kherson Oblast and Buk-M3 systems in Donetsk Oblast.

More from the region

• US President Donald Trump plans to call Putin within his first few days in office

• Russian forces continue to advance near Chasiv Yar, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Kurakhove

• Russian President Putin has signed a deal with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to increase defense partnerships, Intelligence sharing, and nuclear energy cooperation

• The Russian Central Grouping of Forces have created a strike group of multiple units south of Pokrovsk, presumably to increase offensive operations on the town

P.S. If you have a source, tip, or piece of information we missed, please reply to this email and tell us about it. Thank you!