Category: War in Ukraine

An air alert has been declared within the capital of Ukraine, and residents are being requested to go to shelters. In response to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the rationale for the alert was the motion of an enemy drone within the route of Kyiv area.

An air alert has been declared within the capital. This was reported by the Kyiv Metropolis State Administration , in keeping with UNN.

ATTENTION! Air raid alert introduced in Kyiv! We ask everybody to go to civil protection shelters instantly

– the assertion mentioned.

Recall

The Ukrainian Air Drive had earlier reported that an enemy drone was shifting towards Kyiv area.

Enemy drones assault 4 areas of Ukraine directly: the place UAVs are headedJan 1 2025, 04:44 AM • 2981 view

In 2024, extra Ukrainians have been free of Russian captivity than within the earlier 12 months, in keeping with knowledge printed by the Coordination Headquarters for the Remedy of Prisoners of Conflict (POWs).

Over the previous 12 months, Ukraine performed 11 prisoner exchanges and secured the return of 356 extra individuals than in 2023. For the reason that begin of the full-scale invasion, 3,956 individuals have been launched, together with 1,358 in 2024.

President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the numbers in his New Yr video handle printed late on Dec. 31. "And I’m giving not estimates however exact numbers as a result of each represents an individual, our particular person, a vital particular person," he mentioned. "And with every return – we convey life again to Ukraine."

On Dec. 30, Ukraine efficiently secured the discharge of 189 captives from Russian detention, together with army personnel and two civilians.

The coordination headquarters described it as one of many largest exchanges because the begin of the full-scale struggle. Amongst these freed have been defenders of Azovstal, Mariupol, the Chornobyl Nuclear Energy Plant, Snake Island, and different key frontlines.

The launched included 87 Armed Forces members, 43 Nationwide Guard members, 33 border guards, 24 sailors, and fighters from the Azov Regiment.

I survived a Russian torture camp. So I had to see Assad’s Sednaya prisonEditor’s Note: Stanislav Aseyev is a Ukrainian writer, journalist, veteran, and a survivor of the Izolyatsia prison in Russia-occupied Donetsk, infamous for its torture of prisoners. He was the first Ukrainian journalist to see to the Sednaya prison and death camp in Syria after the fall of Bashar a…The Kyiv IndependentStanislav Aseyev

Within the quickly occupied territories of Donetsk area, the invaders organized a collection of kids's events with animators. The aim of the occasions is to propagate Russian narratives and foster anti-Western sentiment amongst youngsters.

The invaders introduced enemy animators to the TOT to brainwash youngsters. This was reported by the Donetsk RMA, UNN studies.

Particulars

Touring musicians from the "Moscow Live performance" organized a collection of kids's events to which youngsters had been taken by pressure.

The aim of the performances:

Propaganda of Russian narratives.

The unfold of anti-Western rhetoric.

Discrediting Western cultural characters, akin to Santa Claus, as unfavorable heroes.

Why is it essential to the enemy?

The occupiers' animators are tasked with imposing the ideology of chauvinism, hatred of different peoples and undermining cultural id on youngsters. The occupiers are attempting to vary the worldview of the youthful era, forming loyalty to the aggressor.

Ukraine returned six extra youngsters from that countryDec 2 2024, 11:41 AM • 18178 views

The Ukrainian Air Drive experiences energetic motion of UAVs over Zhytomyr, Chernihiv, Sumy, and Poltava areas. The drones are shifting in several instructions, and the army is controlling the state of affairs.

Energetic motion of enemy UAVs over Ukraine has been recorded. That is reported by the Air Drive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, UNN experiences.

Particulars

In line with up to date info, UAVs are shifting within the following instructions:

Zhytomyr area:

The drones are flying within the southwestern course.

Chernihiv area:

The drones are consistently altering course, a few of them heading in the direction of Kyiv area.

Sumy area:

A major variety of UAVs within the south of the area are shifting towards Poltava, whereas new drones within the north of the area are heading to Chernihiv.

Poltava area:

Within the northern a part of the area, the UAVs are shifting on a southwestern course.

The Air Drive urges residents of the areas to not ignore air raid warnings, keep in shelters and comply with security guidelines. The state of affairs is below the management of the defenders of the sky, who’re working to neutralize the risk.

Greater than 11 thousand UAVs and 1300 missiles: the Air Drive summarized fight work for the yearDec 31 2024, 04:33 PM • 18312 views

Russia developed offensive plans focusing on civilian and army websites in Japan and South Korea within the occasion of a warfare with NATO, the Monetary Occasions reported on Dec. 31, citing paperwork proven to the outlet by Western sources.

The leaked plans, drawn up between 2008 and 2014 to coach army officers for a possible battle on Russia's jap flank, are reportedly nonetheless thought-about "related to Russian technique" at the moment.

The paperwork define 160 potential targets, together with civilian and army infrastructure equivalent to roads, bridges, factories, and army installations in NATO-allied Japan and South Korea.

The plans detailed how putting these targets might shield Russia's jap flank in a broader battle by disrupting the "regrouping of troops in areas of operational objective."

Navy targets recognized within the plans embrace the central and regional command headquarters of the Japanese and South Korean armed forces, radar installations, air bases, and naval services. Civilian infrastructure targets embrace roads, bridges, and rail tunnels.

Different key websites embrace gas refineries, industrial services equivalent to steelworks and chemical factories in Busan, South Korea, and 13 energy crops, together with a nuclear complicated in Tokai, Japan.

Though the plans have been drafted between 2008 and 2014, each Russia and NATO are actually brazenly discussing the potential for warfare.

Russian Deputy Protection Minister Andrei Belousov, talking at a Protection Ministry assembly on Dec. 16, stated Russia wanted to organize for varied eventualities, together with a "potential battle with NATO throughout the subsequent decade."

Belousov accused NATO of getting ready for warfare, citing actions equivalent to appointing a consultant in Kyiv and supporting Ukraine’s NATO membership through the Alliance's Seventy fifth-anniversary summit in July 2024.

On the Atlantic aspect, European NATO international ministers have begun discussing a gradual improve within the alliance’s protection spending goal from 2% to three% of GDP by 2030.

German Protection Minister Boris Pistorius particularly advocated for a bigger protection price range, saying: "If Putin assaults, we want to have the ability to wage warfare."

Is NATO ready for war with Russia?The launch of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 confronted the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) with a new geopolitical reality. Described as “braindead” by French President Emmanuel Macron only a few years prior, the alliance woke up to a threat previously thought c…The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek

President Zelenskyy stated that the Hungarian and Slovak individuals help Ukraine, and their authorities ought to acknowledge the reality. He emphasised the significance of European unity and warned in opposition to cooperation with Russia.

The Hungarian and Slovak individuals are truly with Ukraine, with Ukrainians, on the facet of fact. The authorities of those international locations must also acknowledge the reality. This was acknowledged by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his New 12 months's greetings, UNN reviews.

Particulars

I’m grateful to everybody who has made Ukraine stand and endure. It’s going to make its option to peace, to a robust Ukraine. And to a European Ukraine. And these aren’t simply phrases – that is the fact that got here in June this yr with the opening of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU. And this can be a historic consequence. This path is irreversible. And Ukraine will likely be within the European Union

– Zelensky stated.

The President emphasised that sooner or later Ukraine will likely be in NATO and can strengthen the Alliance.

It’s going to strengthen the resilience of the world. The unity of Europe determines the destiny of each nation on the continent. And this unity have to be revered by all. Each Budapest and Bratislava. I do know that each the Hungarian and Slovak peoples are literally with us, with Ukraine, with Ukrainians, on the facet of fact. The authorities of those international locations must also acknowledge the reality. There isn’t any must be afraid that Ukraine will likely be in Europe. We have to do all the things we will to maintain Russia out of Europe. Its tanks, its missiles, and the evil that it’ll certainly convey additional if Ukraine doesn’t stand. If Russia shakes your hand as we speak, it doesn’t imply that tomorrow it won’t begin killing you with the identical hand

– Zelensky stated.

The President emphasised that Russians are afraid of the free.

One thing they aren’t conversant in. They’re afraid of freedom. They have been born underneath Putin, went to high school underneath Putin, went to serve underneath Putin, and are dying for his sick concepts. That’s the reason it’s so essential as we speak to help all nations that defend freedom. Who don’t give it up in Chisinau. Who’re preventing for his or her future in Tbilisi. And I’m positive the day will come once we will all say: "Lengthy stay Belarus!"

– Zelensky emphasised.

AddendumAddendum

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico visited Moscow to satisfy with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Due to this fact, representatives of the NGO Peace of Ukraine appealed to the Prosecutor Normal's Workplace of the Slovak Republic to research this go to.

Slovak Prosecutor Normal's Workplace to test Fico's go to to PutinDec 27 2024, 01:14 PM • 17815 views

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban believes that the warfare in Ukraine will finish in 2025 and that there are solely two choices.

Orban names two eventualities for ending the warfare in Ukraine in 2025Dec 24 2024, 09:19 AM • 44253 views

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Dec. 31 mentioned 2024 was "one other step in the direction of justice, a good peace, our victory, and a life with out struggle," in a put up on social media to mark New Yr's Eve.

"Each single day of it has been gained by our warriors, by all our folks, by everybody who defends, works, strengthens, and helps," he mentioned.

"We Ukrainians know what it means to not look ahead to what tomorrow will deliver, however to combat for each single day, and yearly of freedom. And 2024 was precisely that — a yr hard-won and free," he added.

Our 2024. Each single day of it has been gained by our warriors, by all our folks, by everybody who defends, works, strengthens, and helps.
Exhausting work and braveness, humanity and integrity of the whole nation crammed this yr. Together with care, improvement and love, the need to… pic.twitter.com/uL3Tq3Gb13

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 31, 2024

Ukraine has confronted a very robust yr on the battlefield. The whole yr noticed Ukrainian troops on the again foot, shedding territory to the advancing Russian troops in northeastern Kharkiv Oblast and jap Donetsk Oblast.

Russia captured Avdiivka — an industrial metropolis in Donetsk Oblast — in February, kickstarting Moscow's offensives all throughout the area.

Benefiting from a poorly carried out rotation of Ukrainian items, Russian troops launched a push towards Toretsk and Niu-York, cities within the mid-part of Donetsk Oblast that used to get pleasure from little engagement.

Russia continued to realize floor on the jap a part of the area over the summer time, regularly approaching Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Vuhledar.

Vuhledar was captured in October. Consultants say that Russia might seize Pokrovsk inside "months."

In addition to additional challenges on the battlefield, 2025 may even deliver with it U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump’s earlier criticism of U.S. army support to Ukraine and his intent to “get out” of the struggle has sparked considerations that his strategy could contain pressuring Kyiv into concessions to attain a settlement.

Zelensky's full put up reads:

Our 2024. Each single day of it has been gained by our warriors, by all our folks, by everybody who defends, works, strengthens, and helps. Exhausting work and braveness, humanity and integrity of the whole nation crammed this yr. Together with care, improvement and love, the need to alter actuality for the higher, it doesn’t matter what. We Ukrainians know what it means to not look ahead to what tomorrow will deliver, however to combat for each single day and yearly of freedom. And 2024 was precisely that — a yr hard-won and free. One other step in the direction of justice, a good peace, our victory, and a life with out struggle. I want us all energy, unity, and inspiration within the coming yr. Pleased New Yr of life and freedom—Pleased Our Yr!

Ukraine war latest: In world first, Ukrainian sea drone downs Russian helicopterKey developments on Dec. 31: * Ukrainian sea drone downs Russian helicopter with anti-air missile in first strike of its kind * Russian attacks damage homes and infrastructure in Kyiv and Sumy oblasts ahead of New Year * Ukraine strikes oil depot in Russia’s Smolensk Oblast, General Staff confir…The Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent news desk

There have been 188 fight engagements within the frontline, with 56 assaults within the Pokrovsk sector. Probably the most lively preventing additionally occurred within the Liman, Kramatorsk and Kurakhove sectors.

Thus far, 188 fight engagements have taken place. The scenario is the most popular in the present day within the Pokrovsk sector, and the enemy can also be lively within the Liman, Kramatorsk and Kurakhove sectors. This was reported by the Basic Workers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, UNN reviews.

Particulars

Within the Kharkiv sector, terrorists made one unsuccessful assault close to Vovchansk.

Within the Kupyansk sector, militants attacked 7 occasions close to Lozova, Nova Kruhlyakivka and Zahryzove.

Within the Liman sector, the occupants stormed 18 occasions within the areas of Nadiya, Pershotravneve, Zelenyi Hai, Novoyehorivka, Yampolivka, Terny, Dibrova and within the instructions of Druzhelyubivka, Cherneshchyna, Novosergiyivka.

Within the Northern sector, the enemy tried to advance 8 occasions within the space of Bilohorivka and Hryhorivka.

Within the Kramatorsk sector, enemy exercise amounted to 31 fight engagements for the reason that starting of the day. Assault operations occurred close to Chasiv Yar, Stupochky, Bila Hora and Predtechyne. 4 battles are nonetheless ongoing.

Within the Toretsk sector Ukrainian Armed Forces repelled 12 terrorist assaults close to Toretsk and Shcherbynivka.

Within the Pokrovsk sector, enemy forces attacked 56 occasions within the areas of Zelene Pole, Baranivka, Novotoretske, Promin, Lysivka, Myrnohrad, Kotlyne, Solone, Shevchenko, Novooleksandrivka, Dachanske, Zelene, Novyi Trud, Vovkove, Pishchane and Novovasylivka.

Within the Kurakhove sector, the aggressor attacked 20 occasions within the areas of Petropavlivka, Dachne, Ukrainka, Shevchenko and Kurakhove.

Within the Vremivsk sector, Ukrainian troops repelled 11 enemy assaults close to Kostiantynopolske, Dachne, Rozlyv, Velyka Novosilka and Neskuchne.

Within the Orikhivsk sector, the enemy tried to advance in the direction of Novoandriivka thrice, however was rebuffed.

Within the Prydniprovsky sector, terrorists made three unsuccessful assaults on Ukrainian troops' positions.

On the Pokrovsk course, the enemy tried to assault within the space of 12 settlements – the Basic Workers on the scenario on the frontDec 31 2024, 02:31 PM • 14671 view

Key developments on Dec. 31:

• Ukrainian sea drone downs Russian helicopter with anti-air missile in first strike of its variety
• Russian assaults harm properties and infrastructure in Kyiv and Sumy oblasts forward of New 12 months
• Ukraine strikes oil depot in Russia's Smolensk Oblast, Common Workers confirms
• Russian officers skilled for assaults on Japan, South Korea in occasion of battle with NATO, FT reviews

Ukraine's army intelligence (HUR) destroyed a Russian aerial goal with the Ukrainian-made Magura V5 naval strike drone for the primary time, HUR reported on Dec. 31.

Throughout a battle within the Black Sea off the Western tip of occupied Crimea, the particular unit Group 13 launched SeeDragon missiles from the Magura drone. The unit downed a Russian Mi-8 helicopter and hit one other helicopter, though the latter was capable of fly again to the airbase.
A video from the battle reveals the second the missiles locked onto the helicopter earlier than it exploded and crashed into the ocean.
The Magura drone has helped Ukraine push again towards Russia’s Black Sea Fleet by hanging dozens of ships this yr. They’ve been in operation for the reason that summer season of 2023.
It may cowl a distance of greater than 800 kilometers (500 miles), attain a pace of 80 km/h (50 mph), and is able to carrying a 250-kilogram warhead. Each is 5.5 meters lengthy and prices roughly 10 million hryvnias ($240,000).
In June, HUR introduced that the drones had been modified to function anti-aircraft missiles, presenting a critical risk to the Russian air pressure over the Black Sea.
Ukraine beforehand destroyed a number of notable Russian ships with Magura drones, together with a touchdown ship Caesar Kunikov, a Sergei Kotov patrol ship, high-speed Serna and Akula touchdown crafts, and a Tarantul-class Ivanovets missile corvette.

Ukraine struck hundreds of targets deep inside Russia in 2024. What did they achieve?As Russian troops continued to hold an advantage on the ground, Ukraine has been keen to level the power in the air. In 2024, Ukrainian forces bet on drones, hitting targets thousands of kilometers deep inside Russia. Ukrainian attacks have targeted dozens of oil refineries that aid Russia’s war e…The Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent

Russian assaults harm properties and infrastructure in Kyiv and Sumy oblasts forward of New 12 months

Russian missile and drone assaults injured at the least one particular person and broken residential buildings and infrastructure in Kyiv and Sumy oblasts on Dec. 31.
Russian troops launched 21 missiles, together with six Iskander ballistic missiles and one Kinzhal aeroballistic missile, and 40 drones in a single day on Dec. 30-31.
A girl in Kyiv Oblast was concussed after falling particles damaged the roof of a home and smashed its home windows, in line with the regional army administration.
Within the capital, missile wreckage fell onto the roof of a house within the Darnitskyi district. No casualties or damages had been reported.
Russian assaults additionally broken infrastructure within the city of Shostka, Sumy Oblast, in line with native authorities head Mykola Noha. Whereas no fatalities have been recorded thus far, the strikes damaged 12 residential buildings, two academic establishments, three boiler homes, a healthcare clinic, a dormitory, in addition to different amenities.
The damages and losses are nonetheless being clarified, Noha stated.
In the course of the mass assault, Ukraine downed six missiles and 16 drones, Ukraine's Air Power stated. An additional 24 drones had been decoys that failed to succeed in their goal.
Russia has not slowed down its attacks on Ukraine over the festive interval. President Volodymr Zelenksy stated on Dec. 29 that Moscow had escalated its aerial assaults on Ukraine through the vacation season.
On Dec. 25, Russia carried out a large-scale Christmas attack, firing 78 missiles and 106 drones towards a number of cities.

I survived a Russian torture camp. So I had to see Assad’s Sednaya prisonEditor’s Note: Stanislav Aseyev is a Ukrainian writer, journalist, veteran, and a survivor of the Izolyatsia prison in Russia-occupied Donetsk, infamous for its torture of prisoners. He was the first Ukrainian journalist to see to the Sednaya prison and death camp in Syria after the fall of Bashar a…The Kyiv IndependentStanislav Aseyev

Ukraine strikes oil depot in Russia's Smolensk Oblast, Common Workers confirms

Ukraine struck an oil depot within the Yartsevo district of Russia's Smolensk Oblast, igniting the power's oil reserves, the Common Workers of Ukraine's Armed Forces confirmed on Dec. 31.

The depot, which provides the Russian army, was focused in a coordinated operation involving Ukraine's Particular Operations Forces and the Unmanned Programs Forces.

The strike resulted in "highly effective explosions, a fireplace, and heavy smoke" on the web site, in line with the report. It didn’t specify which kind of weapon was used within the assault.

The affirmation follows reports from regional authorities detailing the harm attributable to an in a single day Ukrainian drone assault.

Roman Zakharov, head of the Yartsevo district, had beforehand reported on his Telegram channel {that a} Ukrainian drone focused the gas depot and an power facility, sparking fires.

Azerbaijan Airlines crash highlights Russia’s failure to close airspace amid warThe Dec. 25 Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash, likely caused by Russian air defense, shines light on a glaring issue the Kremlin has long swept under the rug. By unleashing its war against Ukraine, Russia has made its airspace a dangerous place. While Ukraine banned civilian flights over its territo…The Kyiv IndependentOleg Sukhov

Russian officers skilled for assaults on Japan, South Korea in occasion of battle with NATO, FT reviews

Russia developed offensive plans concentrating on civilian and army websites in Japan and South Korea within the occasion of a battle with NATO, the Monetary Instances reported on Dec. 31, citing paperwork proven to the outlet by Western sources.

The leaked plans, drawn up between 2008 and 2014 to coach army officers for a possible battle on Russia's jap flank, are reportedly nonetheless thought of "related to Russian technique" right this moment.

The paperwork define 160 potential targets, together with civilian and army infrastructure equivalent to roads, bridges, factories, and army installations in NATO-allied Japan and South Korea.

The plans detailed how hanging these targets might defend Russia's jap flank in a broader battle by disrupting the "regrouping of troops in areas of operational function."

Navy targets recognized within the plans embrace the central and regional command headquarters of the Japanese and South Korean armed forces, radar installations, air bases, and naval amenities. Civilian infrastructure targets embrace roads, bridges, and rail tunnels.

Different key websites embrace gas refineries, industrial amenities equivalent to steelworks and chemical factories in Busan, South Korea, and 13 energy crops, together with a nuclear complicated in Tokai, Japan.

Russian military suffers 427,000 casualties in 2024, Syrskyi claims“Russia continues to carry out constant ‘human wave’ assaults, suffering record losses,” Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said.The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek

In 2024, Russia carried out 13 large assaults on Ukraine's vitality infrastructure, ensuing within the lack of 10 GW of capability. Regardless of this, the ability system stays intact due to a large-scale restore marketing campaign.

This 12 months has been probably the most troublesome for the Ukrainian vitality system for the reason that starting of the full-scale invasion. Russia has carried out 13 large assaults on vitality infrastructure, utilizing new ways, ballistic missiles and cluster munitions. This was reported by the Ministry of Power, UNN reviews.

"2024 was probably the most troublesome 12 months for the Ukrainian vitality system for the reason that starting of the full-scale invasion. Russia carried out 13 large assaults on vitality infrastructure, utilizing new ways, ballistic missiles and cluster munitions. This led to the lack of about 10 GW of producing capability," the assertion stated.

Regardless of the large-scale destruction, Ukrainian energy engineers performed the most important restore marketing campaign within the nation's historical past.

"It passed off underneath fixed shelling, and a few services needed to be restored a number of occasions. Because of the perseverance of energy engineers, Ukrainians have electrical energy of their properties and the ability system stays intact. We’re grateful to all workers of the vitality sector for his or her dedication and power of spirit. An important activity – to maintain the ability grid intact – has been achieved," the Ministry of Power stated.

The Ministry of Power additionally listed the important thing outcomes of the 12 months:

– Worldwide help.

Donors pledged greater than €1 billion to the Power Assist Fund for Ukraine. 36 international locations donated humanitarian assist for the steady operation of the vitality system. The IAEA supported Ukraine's assertion on the threats posed by Russia and ensures monitoring of essential services.

– Growth of distributed technology.

As of December 31, a complete of 967 MW of distributed technology services had been related, together with 835 MW in 2024. The distributed technology growth technique till 2035 has been accepted and monetary packages have been launched to extend vitality independence of customers. This contains 0% lending for the acquisition of vitality gear, the Reasonably priced Loans 5-7-9 program, and GreenDom. Financing of tasks price UAH 8.3 billion has begun, which is able to present nearly 430 MW of recent capability.

– Growth of nuclear vitality.

All 9 nuclear energy items have been ready for the winter interval and canopy 60% of electrical energy wants. Ukraine and the US have introduced tasks to construct small modular reactors. Because of nuclear technology, there’s mild even in probably the most troublesome moments.

– Power reform and European integration.

The Nationwide Power and Local weather Plan till 2030 was accepted. Ukraine has elevated its electrical energy import capability from the EU to 2.1 GW and has been working as a part of the ENTSO-E European energy grid for greater than 1000 days.

– Power independence. Elevated volumes of home pure fuel manufacturing.

Addendum

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal statedthat regardless of dozens of Russian assaults on Ukraine's vitality sector, the nation has withstood and preserved the integrity of the system.