Ukraine's Ministry of Defence has introduced that two extra Patriot air defence programs have entered fight responsibility to guard Ukrainian cities and significant infrastructure.
Supply: Ukraine's Ministry of Defence
Particulars: The ministry stated that the supply of the extra programs grew to become doable due to current agreements with the German authorities.
In accordance with the Ministry of Defence, the Patriot system is able to partaking a variety of aerial targets, together with aerodynamic and ballistic ones, in addition to high-speed threats. The system's radar permits the simultaneous detection and monitoring of a lot of targets, whereas interceptors – together with PAC-3 modifications – are used to destroy targets by direct hit-to-kill steering, which is essential for missile defence.
The defence ministry famous {that a} single Patriot battery can detect as much as 100 aerial targets and monitor a number of of them concurrently. Automated working modes considerably cut back response time to threats. The system is able to partaking aerial targets at altitudes of as much as 24 km and at ranges of as much as 160 km, offering protection over massive areas.
Quote: "At the moment, Patriot air defence programs are defending Ukrainian cities and significant infrastructure. They’re lowering harm from enemy cruise and ballistic missile strikes towards vitality amenities and civilian targets."
Background: On 17 December, Ukraine's Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal introduced the signing of quite a lot of vital agreements with German companions totalling greater than €1.2 billion.
Two individuals had been injured in Kharkiv Oblast because of Russian assaults on 31 December, and one man was injured in Sumy Oblast.
Supply: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Army Administration; Sumy Oblast Army Administration
Particulars: Over the previous day, eight settlements in Kharkiv Oblast got here underneath Russian fireplace.
Within the village of Odnorobivka within the Zolochiv hromada, a 76-year-old man and a 61-year-old girl had been injured because of an assault. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories – ed.]
In Sumy Oblast, a 25-year-old man was wounded within the Boromlia hromada following a UAV assault.
Over the 24 hours from the morning of 31 December to the morning of 1 January 2026, Russian forces carried out 75 assaults on 37 settlements throughout 17 hromadas in Sumy Oblast.
A number of Russian areas got here underneath drone assault on the night time of 31 December-1 January. The strikes have brought about fires at oil refineries in Kaluga Oblast and Krasnodar Krai.
Supply: Russian Telegram channels; monitoring Telegram channels; Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin
Particulars: Native residents posted movies displaying a glow within the night time sky and large-scale fires in industrial zones the place Russian services are positioned.
Experiences of direct hits got here from the city of Lyudinovo in Kaluga Oblast, the place a neighborhood oil storage facility was struck. Footage posted on-line reveals a tall column of fireside and smoke rising above the scene. Native authorities haven’t commented on the extent of the harm, however Telegram channels mentioned the hearth was preceded by the distinctive sound of drone engines and explosions.
The night time was additionally tense in Krasnodar Krai. The Ilsky oil refinery was attacked. This facility was hit by drones a number of instances previously.
The Ilsky oil refinery Picture: social media
Russia's capital was additionally focused. Sobyanin was reporting on the air defences response all through the night time. As typical, he claimed that drones had been downed, however Russian officers usually withhold or considerably downplay details about the precise variety of drones and any harm on the bottom attributable to falling particles.
Ukraine's defence forces have been systematically placing oil refineries and gasoline depots on Russian territory. These websites are thought of reputable army targets, as they provide gasoline to Russian forces, whereas revenues from oil product exports assist fill the Russian finances and finance the warfare towards Ukraine.
The Ilsky refinery was beforehand attacked, resulting in non permanent shutdowns of its operations.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly careworn that Ukraine will reply to Russian terror by placing the "strain factors" of Russian financial system and logistics.
Up to date: The Russian Defence Ministry claimed on the morning of 1 January that its air defence programs had destroyed 168 drones in a single day.
For reference:
The Ilsky Oil Refinery (KNGK-INPZ LLC) is likely one of the key oil processing services in Russia's Southern Federal District. It has a capability of greater than six million tonnes of oil per yr. The refinery produces diesel gasoline, petrol and gasoline oil, which, as a consequence of its proximity to Black Sea ports, are actively used to help logistics for Russian forces in Ukraine.
The Lyudinovo oil depot (Kaluganaftoprodukt JSC) is a part of the Rosneft construction and serves as a logistics hub supplying models of the Russian armed forces instantly concerned within the warfare towards Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Overseas Ministry has summoned India's and Pakistan's chargés d'affaires in Kyiv for separate conferences after the 2 nations voiced assist for Russian claims of an alleged Ukrainian assault on a residence belonging to Putin.
Supply: Ukraine's Overseas Ministry
Particulars: Ukraine's Overseas Ministry mentioned that the leaders of India and Pakistan expressed "assist" after statements from Moscow claiming that 91 Ukrainian drones attacked a residence of Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin on 29 December 2025.
Quote: "We hope the leaders of those nations will categorical deep concern about Russia's actual assaults on civilian targets in Ukraine and present solidarity with Ukraine, towards which Russia has been waging unjustified and unprovoked aggression for practically 4 years.
Ukraine's embassy within the United Arab Emirates has additionally taken political and diplomatic steps in response to related statements from the Emirati aspect.
Ukraine's embassies in Central Asian nations have conveyed to officers of their host states that it’s unacceptable to play together with Russian propaganda and Russia's makes an attempt to derail the peace course of."
Background:
Russian Overseas Minister Sergei Lavrov has claimed that Ukraine carried out an in a single day drone strike on a residence of Russian chief Vladimir Putin and mentioned this might result in a revision of Russia's "negotiating place".
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has denied the declare.
Russia's Defence Ministry has printed a faux map displaying the alleged route of the Ukrainian drones two days after the Russian assertion.
Rustem Umierov, Secretary of the Nationwide Safety and Defence Council, has briefed the Ukrainian president on the outcomes of a telephone name with American and European companions.
Supply: Rustem Umierov on social media, as reported by European Pravda
Particulars: Umierov mentioned that the US facet was represented within the name by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Particular Envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. The European facet included nationwide safety advisers from the UK, Germany and France.
Quote: "We coordinated positions and deliberate additional conferences with European and American companions in January. Individually, we’re making ready a gathering with European companions on 3 January on the stage of nationwide safety advisers.
Representatives from over 10 nations are anticipated to participate, together with NATO, the European Fee and the European Council. US companions are additionally anticipated to hitch on-line."
Extra particulars: Umierov added that work would proceed within the new yr on "selections that ought to ship tangible outcomes".
Background:
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has introduced {that a} assembly of the Coalition of the Prepared on the stage of advisers is scheduled to happen in Ukraine on 3 January, with a leaders' assembly in France deliberate for six January.
After the leaders' assembly of the Coalition of the Prepared in France on 6 January, one other adviser-level assembly is deliberate, after which preparations will start for a gathering of European leaders and the US president.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has mentioned that among the paperwork aimed toward settling the struggle, developed throughout the negotiation course of, can be able to register January.
New 12 months'saddressby President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Expensive Ukrainians!
In just some minutes, the brand new yr will start. And I might give something on the earth if, on this handle, I may say that peace may even are available in just some minutes. Sadly, I can not say that but. However with a transparent conscience, I – all of us – can say that Ukraine is really doing all the pieces for peace. And continues to take action.
I returned to Kyiv yesterday, at 06:00. Our crew spent almost 50 hours on the highway. The peace settlement is 90% prepared. 10% stays. And that’s way over simply numbers. These 10% comprise, in reality, all the pieces. These are the ten% that can decide the destiny of peace, the destiny of Ukraine and Europe, how individuals will stay. 10% to save lots of tens of millions of lives. 10% of the willpower wanted for peace to work 100%. 10% of the unity and knowledge so desperately wanted – Ukrainian, American, European, from the whole world. 10% to peace.
I need all of us to be on the identical web page proper now – to know actuality in the identical manner, to be armed not solely on the battlefield, but in addition with the reality. The reality about who actually desires what. What does Ukraine need? What does America need? What does Russia need? What do Europe and the whole world need?
Allow us to start with an important factor. What does Ukraine need? Peace? Sure. At any value? No. We wish the top of the warfare – not the top of Ukraine. Are we drained? Extraordinarily. Does that imply we’re able to give up? Those that suppose so are deeply mistaken. And clearly, over all these years, they nonetheless haven’t understood who Ukrainians are. A individuals who have held on by way of 1,407 days of a full-scale warfare. Simply soak up that quantity. That’s longer than the Nazi occupation of a lot of our cities throughout World Struggle II. 1,407 days of an unconquered Ukraine. A rustic that, in impact, spends each evening in shelters. Daily – in battle. Usually – with out electrical energy. Usually – with out sleep, holding positions for a lot of, many days. But at all times – with out panic, with out chaos, with out division, in unity – in order that we are able to have peace. Do we would like the warfare to finish? Completely.
Why has it not occurred but? The reply is correct subsequent door to our nation. Can Russia finish the warfare? Sure. Does it need to? No. Can the world drive it to take action?
Sure – and solely that manner will it work. Why does the world not do that to the complete extent? Allow us to break it down. Step-by-step. Actually. Because it actually is. Our individuals know this higher than anybody.Russia doesn’t finish its wars by itself. There has by no means been a warfare in historical past that they ended of their very own free will. Solely strain from others – solely coercion from others, which they themselves name a goodwill gesture.
This has been the case yearly Russia has fought somebody – that’s, all through its whole existence.
This may be confirmed by everybody towards whom Moscow has waged warfare at totally different instances. Poland, Türkiye, Finland, Syria, Georgia, Abkhazia, Ossetia, Chechnya – and the checklist can go on endlessly, as a result of nearly the whole territory of Russia was assembled by way of wars. That is who we’re coping with. We – Ukraine, Europe, america, and the whole world.
Withdraw from Donbas, and all the pieces might be over. That’s how deception sounds when translated from Russian – into Ukrainian, into English, into German, into French, and, in reality, into any language on the earth. Does anybody nonetheless imagine them? Sadly. As a result of too usually, the reality remains to be averted and referred to as diplomacy, although in actuality it’s merely lies in fits.
That’s the reason there’s strain on Ukraine – sure. That’s the reason we preserve combating the best way we do and proving what ought to have been apparent way back: that after the occupation of Crimea, the seizure of components of Donetsk and Luhansk areas, the full-scale invasion on February 24, after Bucha, Mariupol, Olenivka, and all the pieces the Kremlin has been doing all alongside – taking them at their phrase is nothing lower than a verdict. A verdict towards shared worldwide safety. And towards each chief whose obligation is solely to guard their individuals.
Have our arguments been heard? We very a lot hope so. Have they agreed with us? Not totally. Not but. That’s exactly why, for now, we converse of 90%, not the complete 100%, readiness of a peace settlement.
Intentions should turn out to be safety ensures. And due to this fact – be ratified. By the US Congress, by European parliaments, by all companions. A Budapest-style piece of paper is not going to fulfill Ukraine. Ukraine doesn’t want a Minsk-style meticulously drafted lure. Signatures beneath weak agreements solely gas warfare. My signature might be beneath a powerful settlement. And that’s precisely what each assembly, each name, each choice is about proper now.
To safe a powerful peace for everybody. Not for a day, not for every week, not for 2 months – peace for years.
Solely then will it actually be successful. For Ukraine, for America, for Europe – and, in reality, for each nation that desires to stay, to not combat.
I mentioned this to President Trump. I mentioned it throughout our first assembly – when all the pieces may have led to a storm for all of us – and through our latest assembly, which provides hope to all of us. Hope that peace is shut, extra attainable than ever, and that we’re able to securing it collectively.
And I might be trustworthy – it was not simple in any respect to realize such a change within the tone of relations between Ukraine and america. From the primary assembly within the Oval Workplace, with all its tense moments, to the dialog at Mar-a-Lago, which made one factor clear: with out Ukraine, nothing will work. Ukraine has defended its proper to have a voice. And everybody can see that Ukraine respects itself – and that’s the reason we’re revered, Ukraine is revered. And the obvious proof of that is the seven conferences I had this yr with the President of america. And irrespective of the place on the earth we meet – Washington, New York, The Hague, the Vatican – the US President at all times mentions our individuals and talks about how bravely Ukrainians are combating. And for the whole world, such recognition of Ukrainians has turn out to be important. It’s a pleasure to listen to this – and an incredible delight to be the President of such a individuals.
And of such a state. A state that has stood agency and may attain any enemy navy goal and oil refinery; that brings the warfare again to Russia and teaches NATO militaries what trendy drones are; that delivers an uneven blow to Russia and forces Putin to lie – claiming he has taken Kupyansk 3 times and personally shot down drones close to his personal residence. A Ukraine that has mature foresight and its personal long-range capabilities – and due to this fact has arguments; that has knowledge and dignity; and that’s prepared for compromise – however not for disgrace.
And I thank each chief who helps Ukraine on this. And who understands an important factor: in the present day, there are solely two choices. Both the world stops Russia's warfare, or Russia drags the world into its warfare. And that is stunning – stunning that after so many wars, after 4 years of such a warfare, a warfare in Ukraine, in Europe, we nonetheless, sadly, have to elucidate this to many. And we clarify it, we repeat it – and whilst leaders change, the questions stay the identical.
Is America able to stopping the aggressor rapidly and decisively? Completely.Would we would like that? Very a lot. When is it attainable? All the time. And when is it wanted? We wanted it again yesterday. And in 2026, it’s attainable. Sanctions are in place – we’re grateful. Sanctions are biting Russia – however solely an iron grip will work. Russian oil is already low cost, however their tankers should be stopped utterly for the warfare to cease. Russian crops are already slowing down, however they should be delivered to a halt in order that the occupier can not advance. And Tomahawks in Ukrainian fingers would show just one factor: peace has no different. There should be peace. There should be help. And there should be a powerful settlement. After which – all the pieces will work.
Does Europe perceive this? Sure. Does all of Europe perceive it? No. And I don’t need that understanding to return to everybody in Europe in the future, at 4 within the morning – the best way it got here to Ukraine. I don’t need that understanding to be delivered to Europeans by armored automobiles with the letter "Z" on their streets. And when Putin says, "We're not going to assault you," that’s the first warning of precisely the place his tanks will go and the place his drones will fly.
And in the present day now we have each proper to say this plainly: Ukraine is, in reality, the one defend that now separates Europe's comfy lifestyle from the Russian world. And for many leaders, the query "Why help Ukraine?" doesn’t come up. As a result of if – God forbid – Ukraine falls, the following questions could be: "Why help Poland?" and "Who will combat for the Baltic states?" and "What’s there to do with out Ukraine in NATO?"
Europe wants Ukraine. And Ukraine wants Europe. We really feel this greater than ever. And when, after conferences in america, we’re on the telephone with our companions, and Europeans are usually not sleeping, everyone seems to be nervous, at all times in contact, and we coordinate with Emmanuel, the President of France, on how you can act subsequent. And when, on the highway again to Kyiv, we converse with the Chancellor of Germany, and Friedrich says, "Air protection might be delivered." And we converse with Keir Starmer about the necessity to meet instantly after the New 12 months, with out making any pauses, to have the Coalition of the Prepared engaged, and to push by way of all of the paperwork, and to not lose america, and to strain Russia to conform. And the way completely proper Giorgia Meloni is when she says: Look, the paperwork of the settlement should be appropriate. Peace should be such that Ukrainians settle for it. This peace should be authorized by Ukrainians. As a result of if all the pieces is unfair, if the peace is fragile, and Moscow assaults once more – she says – I don’t need disillusioned individuals in Ukraine then burning portraits of European and American leaders within the squares.
These phrases – that peace should be dignified – are supported by everybody who is really doing an incredible deal for Ukraine: the Netherlands and Sweden, Norway and Poland. And the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette, who at all times says: We’re not doing sufficient for Ukraine; we should do extra for Ukraine as a result of that is for the protection of all of Europe. And Spain, which stands with us. And the Vatican and the Phanar, with their diplomacy and prayer. Czechia, Romania, Greece. And President Erdoğan. All nations of the European Union. And this morning, the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, referred to as me. And day by day we discuss on the telephone with him. And after our necessary conversations, he at all times says on the finish, "My good friend, don’t forget to coach – since you should be sturdy, Ukrainians should be sturdy. We imagine in you. All of us want you."
And this sort of our communication with Europe's leaders – this heat and the spirit of partnership – implies that Ukraine is already a part of the European household, and that every one negotiating clusters between us have, in actuality, lengthy been open. And such unity offers us hope. And such unity between Ukraine and Europe has been confirmed. We’ve got secured help value 100 billion {dollars}. And that is way over simply help for 2 years. It’s the resilience of our military. It’s peace of thoughts for our individuals. It’s cash, salaries, and pensions – sure, that’s life. And it’s justice that, ultimately, Russia pays for this.
And such unity and concern for Ukraine goes far past our continent. We really feel it and see it – in Japan, Australia, Canada. I sincerely thank everybody on the earth who stands on the sunshine facet of historical past, on the facet of Ukraine, and does all the pieces in order that Ukraine succeeds in attaining its aim, in urgent ahead, in forcing its approach to peace.
Expensive individuals!
In only a second, it is going to be the New 12 months. Hundreds of thousands of us are ready for it. And we may have a New 12 months, regardless of all the pieces, as a result of that's the type of individuals we’re – we’re Ukrainians. We are going to determine one thing out, we’ll put together one thing, and we'll have an excellent time, scrumptious meals, and a glass of champagne – or, for some, maybe one thing stronger. And there might be a toast – crucial phrases. A toast. One for everybody. For tens of millions of Ukrainians.
For our warriors who at the moment are on the contact line. For everybody who gave their life for Ukraine. For all those that save us and educate us day by day. For all those that are at all times on obligation – even tonight. Firefighters, medical doctors, power staff. For our individuals who have returned from captivity and can meet this New 12 months at residence. For all these we’re ready for. For all those that assist us. For the warfare to finish. For peace to return. For the enemy to realize nothing. And they won’t. So long as we combat like this. So long as we stand like this. So long as we stay Ukrainians.
Russia should finish the warfare – the second they discover one motive for peace greater than for combating. That’s the reason we frequently say to 1 one other what our guys on the entrance say: all we want is to carry on for in the future longer than they do.
And in the present day we add: to be one step forward. One hour sooner. One choice braver. Even by one tenth – however higher. And by 10% – by these 10% I spoke about at first – 10% stronger. After which we’ll win peace 100%. I want this to all of us.
Expensive Ukrainians!
The yr 2025 is coming to an finish. Round us is an actual winter. And one thing now we have not seen for a really very long time – snow for New 12 months's Eve. And all the kids, in fact – and, truthfully, the adults too – have been ready for this.And it offers a strong feeling: if we actually need one thing, eventually, it occurs. After all, greater than anything proper now, we would like peace. However not like New 12 months's snow, it is not going to merely fall from the sky as a miracle. However we imagine in peace, we combat for it, and we work for it. And we’ll proceed to take action. As a result of in 2026, we actually need that the skies be calm and the land peaceable; that light and heat fill our properties – and never 170, however the full 220, correctly; that every one our individuals return residence – from the entrance, from captivity, from occupation; that we stand; that Ukraine stands.
Zaporizhzhia has been hit once more by a Russian strike, leaving one particular person injured and damaging an residence block.
Supply: Ivan Fedorov, Head of Zaporizhzhia Oblast Navy Administration, on social media
Quote: "The enemy has struck Zaporizhzhia once more. An residence block has been broken. Vehicles have caught hearth. Sadly, one particular person has been injured."
Particulars: Fedorov stated that emergency providers are already coping with the aftermath of the strike and offering the required medical help.
The pinnacle of the oblast says that Zaporizhzhia residents have been listening to air-raid alerts all through the day, whereas emergency providers are coping with the aftermath of Russian assaults.
Background: It was reported earlier that Russian forces struck three districts of the town. The assault broken three residence blocks and three homes, in addition to non-residential premises.
Estonia is to develop into chair of the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) from 1 January 2026, a regional cooperation format that additionally contains Denmark, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Finland and Sweden.
Supply: ERR, Estonian Public Broadcaster, citing Estonia's International Minister Margus Tsahkna, as reported by European Pravda
Particulars: Estonia's International Ministry mentioned that its objectives through the chairmanship are to strengthen regional co-operation, increase NB8's profile internationally and deepen the area's strategic integration.
Quote: "NB8 international locations collectively are considerably greater, extra seen and extra influential than individually. We need to be seen as a single and powerful area which, regardless of the comparatively small dimension of our states, is among the key financial and political companions within the Euro-Atlantic area."
Extra particulars: Amongst Estonia's priorities are persevering with complete help for Ukraine and sustaining a number one function in making use of stress on Russia.
Estonia's NB8 chairmanship will run all through 2026.
Background:
Ranging from 1 January 2026, Cyprus has taken over the EU Council's rotating presidency for six months.
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides has promised that his nation will make help for Ukraine a precedence of its presidency of the Council of the EU, which begins on 1 January.
Cyprus has additionally mentioned it plans from January to "decisively promote" EU enlargement.
A 47-year-old man was killed after Russian forces attacked the village of Novovorontsovka in Kherson Oblast on 31 December.
Supply: Kherson Oblast Prosecutor's Workplace
Particulars: Kherson Oblast Prosecutor's Workplace stated that Russian forces hit a avenue within the village of the Beryslav district with a drone.
The 47-year-old man was killed when explosives had been dropped from the drone.
Later within the village of Bilozerka, a 52-year-old man was injured after explosives had been dropped from a UAV. He suffered shrapnel wounds to the face. The assault additionally broken a medical facility's service automobile.
Self-proclaimed Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko has claimed that he warned Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin a couple of potential assassination try throughout a visit to South Africa in 2023.
Supply: Lukashenko talking to journalists, as reported by Belarusian state-owned information outlet BelTA
Particulars: Lukashenko recounted what he described as a dialog with Putin, who was "packing his suitcases" forward of the BRICS summit in South Africa. He mentioned it was a "pleasant, brotherly dialog, not a country one".
Quote: "Tonight, I recalled a dialog with Putin. I feel it was earlier than the BRICS summit in South Africa. He was packing his suitcases. I mentioned: 'The place are you going?' He replied: 'What, don't you recognize? We now have the BRICS summit.' I requested: 'Are you planning to fly there?' It was a pleasant, brotherly dialog. I instructed the elder brother [Putin – ed.]: 'Are you planning to fly there?' He mentioned: 'Properly, they invited me, I'm anticipated there.' I mentioned: 'Are you loopy? There's a battle happening!' 'Properly, they don’t seem to be that loopy anymore, not that excessive.' I replied: 'Are you suggesting they're all sane over there? You shouldn't go in any respect!' [Russian Foreign Minister Sergei] Lavrov was the one who went there. Perhaps not as a result of I pressed him. However I expressed my opinion to him."
Background:
On 29 December, Russian Overseas Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that Ukraine had struck Putin's residence on the night time of 28-29 December.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has formally denied this declare, whereas Ukraine's Overseas Intelligence Service mentioned Russia is utilizing such false statements as a part of an data operation aimed toward derailing peace preparations between Ukraine and america.
