Ukraine Invasion: Part 53

[MagicFox]

Welcome to 53 and, as always, Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

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A. The agreed purpose of the thread is for the sharing of information and commentary on current events

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https://x.com/Rebel44CZ/status/1874037546487083369

List of Russian equipment lost since the start of the war. Nearly 20,000 pieces of equipment. Perhaps it was all a grand attempt to tidy up and making more space.

On another note, just a shoutout for Ragnar, who posts an updated analysis of the Russian losses every ... single ... day. And Tim White, who also posts every day. Also Jurgen_Nauditt and Peter Clifford.

Wishing everyone on this thread a Happy New Year, victory to Ukraine and Putin and Lavrov in the Hague. Slava Ukraini

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-december-31-2024

Key Takeaways:

• Russian forces gained 4,168 square kilometers, largely comprised of fields and small settlements in Ukraine and Kursk Oblast, at a reported cost of over 420,000 casualties in 2024.
• The Russian military command largely prioritized efforts to seize the remainder of Donetsk Oblast and establish a buffer zone in northern Kharkiv Oblast in 2024 but failed to accomplish these goals.
• Russian forces have seized four mid-sized settlements - Avdiivka, Selydove, Vuhledar, and Kurakhove - in all of 2024, the largest of which had a pre-war population of just over 31,000 people.
• Russian forces would require just over two years to seize the remainder of Donetsk Oblast at their 2024 rates of advance, assuming that all their advances were confined to Donetsk, that they can seize large urban areas as easily as small villages and fields, and that the Ukrainians do not conduct any significant counterattacks in Donetsk.
• Ukrainian forces have yet to stop Russian forces from advancing in their priority sectors, however, and Western aid remains critical to Ukraine's ability to stabilize the frontline in 2025.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin officially declared 2025 the "Year of the Defender of the Fatherland" during his New Years' address on December 31 - signaling the Kremlin's continued efforts to militarize Russian society and maintain regime stability by appeasing the growing Russian veteran community.
• Ukrainian naval drones reportedly downed a Russian Mi-8 helicopter near occupied Cape Tarkhankut, Crimea, reportedly marking the first time that a naval drone has shot down an air target.
• Ukrainian forces struck the Yarsevskaya oil depot in Smolensk Oblast and a building used by the Russian military in Lgov, Kursk Oblast on December 30 and 31.
• Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Kreminna and in Kursk Oblast, and Russian forces recently advanced near Kreminna, Siversk, Chasiv Yar, Pokrovsk, and Kurakhove.
• The Russian government will deprive prisoners who volunteer to fight in Ukraine of the one-time enlistment bonus starting January 1, 2025, marking another instance of Russia trying to cut the mounting short- and long-term costs of war.

https://x.com/Lyla_lilas/status/1874268290727706883 part of President Zelensky New Year speech

Happy New Year to you all and thank you all so much for keeping this thread updated. Here's to 2025, hopefully the year that Russia loses and turns tail.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

⚡️Poland assumes presidency of EU Council (kyivindependent.com/poland-assumes-presidency-of-eu-council/), calls security 'top priority.'

⚡️Ukraine becomes party to the Rome Statute (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-becomes-party-to-the-rome-statute-of-the-international-criminal-court/) of the International Criminal Court.
"This means that it (Ukraine) is now a full-fledged state party to this international treaty and has all the rights and obligations assigned to state parties," ICC spokesperson Fadi el-Abdallah told Ukrinform.

⚡️Hungary loses out (kyivindependent.com/hungary-loses-out-on-about-1-billion-in-eu-aid/) on about $1 billion in EU aid.
The aid package was conditional on Hungary implementing reforms to bring the country into compliance with EU standards by the end of 2024. Budapest failed to meet the requirements, a European Commission spokesperson said.

⚡️Putin orders Russian government, top bank to cooperate with China on AI (kyivindependent.com/putin-orders-russian-government-top-bank-to-cooperate-with-china-on-ai-tech/) tech.
Putin told the government and state-owned Sberbank to "ensure further cooperation with the People's Republic of China in technological research and development in the field of artificial intelligence."

⚡️European gas prices rise (kyivindependent.com/european-gas-prices-rise-after-russian-gas-transit-through-ukraine-halts/) after Russian gas transit through Ukraine halts.
The rise in gas prices to 51 euros per megawatt-hour is the highest since October 2023.

⚡️Ukraine’s electricity imports increased (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-electricity-imports-increased-more-than-fivefold-in-2024/) more than fivefold in 2024 to 4.4 million megawatt-hours (MWh), ExPro consulting company’s electricity monitoring data showed on Jan. 2.

⚡️Moldova to import (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-to-export-electricity-to-moldova-overnight-on-jan-2/) electricity from Romania, Ukraine as Russia halts gas supply.

⚡️Russia has lost over 38,000 troops in Kursk Oblast (kyivindependent.com/russia-has-lost-over-38-000-troops-in-kursk-oblast-syrskyi-says/), Syrskyi says.

⚡️Ukraine's Navy says it destroyed over 37,000 Russian drones (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-navy-says-it-destroyed-over-37-000-russian-drones-in-2024/) in 2024.

Ukraine war latest: Russia attacks Kyiv (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-russia-attacks-ukraines-capital-on-first-day-of-2025-killing-2-injuring-6/) on first day of 2025, killing 2, injuring 6
⚡️Russian attacks against Ukraine injure at least 6, kill 4 (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-against-ukraine-wound-at-least-6-kill-4-over-past-day/) over past day.

⚡️Prominent scientists (kyivindependent.com/prominent-scientists-among-victims-of-new-years-day-drone-attack-in-kyiv/) among victims of New Year's Day drone attack in Kyiv.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪ JAN 2, 2025
■ Engagements & casualties stay below 7-day avg
■ Drone interceptions more than double the avg, 3 special equipment losses
■ Increased 🇷🇺 shelling (but still below average), unusually many air strikes, relatively few 🇺🇦 strikes

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Ukrainian Sea Drones Destroy Two Russian Helicopters in Black Sea
The Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) reported that on December 31, 2024, Ukrainian special forces from Unit 13 successfully destroyed two Russian Mi-8 helicopters near occupied Crimea using Magura V5 sea drones armed with missiles.
Preliminary information suggests that the helicopter crews were also eliminated. Additionally, another Russian helicopter was damaged but managed to make an emergency landing.

Hungary Loses €1 Billion in EU Funds Over Democratic Standards
Hungary has forfeited €1 billion in European Union funds due to its failure to meet democratic standards, including violations of the rule of law and delays in critical reforms.
The reforms, which were to be completed by the end of 2024, included measures to prevent conflicts of interest and strengthen anti-corruption efforts.
In total, the EU is withholding approximately €19 billion from Hungary, citing additional concerns over human rights, refugee policies, and other EU standards.

🇺🇦🇲🇩 Ukraine to Supply Electricity to Moldova on January 2
Ukraine will export electricity to Moldova overnight on January 2 to help cover shortages in Moldova’s energy system, reports NewsMaker.

HUR Soldiers Receive Advanced Hazard UAV and HMMWV Vehicle
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry intelligence unit (HUR) has received the innovative Hazard unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) alongside a HMMWV vehicle.
The Hazard UAV is crafted from composite materials, making it undetectable by enemy electronic warfare systems. Its silent operation ensures exceptional stealth, even in high-risk missions.
Capable of covering significant distances, the drone can be outfitted with varying warheads, tailored to effectively eliminate enemy ground targets. This addition significantly enhances HUR’s operational capabilities.

Austria Prepared for Russian Gas Halt, Says Climate Minister
Amid Ukraine’s decision to stop Russian gas transit through its territory, Austria’s Climate and Energy Minister, Leonore Gewessler, emphasized that the country has successfully eliminated its dependency on Russian gas.

🕯 Tragic Loss of Renowned Ukrainian Scientists in Kyiv Shelling
Prominent Ukrainian neurobiologist Ihor Zyma and his wife, Olesia Sokur, were tragically killed during Russia’s UAV attack on Kyiv this morning, Minister of Education Oksen Lisovyi confirmed.
“The couple dedicated their lives to science, contributing for many years to the ‘Institute of Biology and Medicine’ at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv,” Lisovyi said.
Ihor Zyma, a Doctor of Biological Sciences with over 40 years of experience, was a leading expert in the study of the brain’s cognitive mechanisms, including emotions, attention, decision-making, and relaxation processes.
Olesia Sokur, also a Doctor of Biological Sciences, played a vital role in advancing biological research alongside her husband.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Ukraine’s intelligence disrupted Russia’s oil giant Lukoil, paralyzing payment systems and digital platforms during the holidays, causing chaos and significant losses.
www.kyivpost.com/post/44778

Kyiv Post Morning News Roundup for January 2nd, 2025
www.kyivpost.com/post/44788

Thinking Out Loud – What Day 1 of 2025 has Already Brought
https://www.kyivpost.com/opinion/44783

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Russian Telegram channels reported a Storm Shadow missile strike on Lgov, Kursk oblast. Reports indicate a fire broke out, and there are injuries.

Ukrainian air defenses shot down 47 attack drones, while 24 failed to reach their targets
The occupiers launched a total of 72 drones from the directions of Bryansk, Oryol, Kursk, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia.

As a result of Russia’s January 1 attack, the building housing the National Writers’ Union of Ukraine in Kyiv was damaged
Earlier reports on social media by members and employees of the Union confirmed damage to the historic Lieberman Mansion, built in 1879, which served as the Union’s headquarters.

Bakhmut
A city where no one celebrates the New Year anymore. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/27719 [absolutely grim]

No ISW key takeaways today.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ Finland requests seizure of Russian 'shadow fleet (kyivindependent.com/finland-requests-seizure-of-russian-shadow-fleet-tanker-over-suspected-cable-sabotage/)' tanker over suspected cable sabotage.
The damaged cable is one of several recent incidents in the Baltic Sea under investigation as possible acts of sabotage.

⚡️ Transnistria faces industrial collapse (kyivindependent.com/transnistria-faces-industrial-collapse-after-russian-gas-suspension-senior-official-says/) after Russian gas suspension, senior official says.
Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean has criticized the Kremlin for using energy as a "political weapon."

⚡️Next Ramstein summit (kyivindependent.com/next-ramstein-summit-to-be-held-on-jan-9-media-reports/) to be held on Jan. 9, media reports

⚡️ Polish farmers to protest (kyivindependent.com/polish-farmers-to-protest-ukrainian-imports-eu-policies-in-warsaw-on-jan-3/) Ukrainian imports, EU policies, in Warsaw on Jan. 3.

⚡️ Ukrainians in Poland receive fake military summonses. (kyivindependent.com/ukrainians-in-poland-receiving-fake-military-summonses/)
Ukrainian men living in Poland have begun receiving fake military draft notices, threatening them with legal repercussions if they evade service, the Polish RMF24 news outlet reported on Jan. 3.

⚡️Russia plans to redeploy (kyivindependent.com/russia-planning-to-redeploy-some-weapons-military-material-from-syria-to-libya-ukraines-intel-claims/) some arms, equipment from Syria to Libya, Ukraine's intel claims.

⚡️ Ukraine strikes Russian command post (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-strikes-russian-command-post-in-kursk-oblast-general-staff-reports/) in Kursk Oblast, General Staff claims.
The strike targeted the 810th Russian Brigade, resulting in significant losses, according to Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s counter-disinformation center.

⚡️ Ukraine to conduct review (kyivindependent.com/ground-forces-command-review-launched-to-support-military-reforms-defmin-umerov-says/) of Ground Forces command, defense minister announces.
"Victory requires a deep analysis of experience, and an honest understanding of mistakes," Rustem Umerov said.

⚡️ Ukraine investigating (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-investigating-french-trained-brigade/) French-trained brigade after reports of desertions, mismanagement.
The statement comes following a media investigation that claimed that soldiers of the unit, deployed near Pokrovsk, have suffered losses and went AWOL (absent without leave) in large numbers due to poor command and organization on Ukraine's side.

⚡️ Slovakia may cut aid to Ukrainian refugees (kyivindependent.com/slovakia-may-cut-aid-to-ukrainian-refugees-over-gas-transit-halt-pm-fico-says/) over Russian gas transit halt, PM Fico says. [callous bastard]

⚡️Kerch Strait oil spill significantly smaller (kyivindependent.com/kerch-strait-oil-spill-significantly-smaller-than-initially-thought-russia-claims/) than initially thought, Russia claims.

⚡️US looking into restricting or banning drones (kyivindependent.com/us-commerce-department-looking-into-restricting-or-banning-chinese-drones/) made by 'foreign adversaries,' including China, Russia.
The Bureau of Industry and Security said that the involvement of foreign adversaries in "supply chains, including acute threats from China and Russia – may offer our adversaries the ability to remotely access and manipulate these devices, exposing sensitive U.S. data."

⚡️Russia has recruited (kyivindependent.com/russia-recruits-up-to-180-000-convicts-for-war-against-ukraine-foreign-intelligence-service-says/) up to 180,000 convicts for war against Ukraine, Foreign Intelligence Service says.
There were about 300,000-350,000 prisoners in Russian prisons in 2024, which is half as many as in 2014.

⚡️ Poland didn't invite (kyivindependent.com/poland-not-inviting-hungary-eu-event/) Orban, Hungarian envoy to EU presidency opening event.

⚡️Russian court reportedly orders Yandex (kyivindependent.com/russian-court-orders-yandex-to-block-access-to-oil-refinerys-maps-photos-over-ukrainian-drone-attacks/) to block access to oil refinery's maps, photos over Ukrainian drone attacks.

⚡️ Kursk incursion had 'big impact' on Global South countries, Zelensky says. (https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-on-kursk-incursion/)

⚡️Russian attacks (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-against-ukraine-kill-injure-over-past-day-4/) against Ukraine kill 2, injure at least 13 over past day.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE - JAN 3, 2025
■ Casualties & engagements below the 7-day average
■ Equipment losses well below average with the exception of drones
■ 🇷🇺 shelling & MLRS strikes below average, 2nd day of >50 air strikes

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

🔻 Russia planned to occupy Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Sumy in 2024. We thwarted these operations, and this stands as one of Ukraine’s most significant achievements over the past year, said Zelenskyy.

🇺🇦🇸🇾 Ukraine will help stabilize the situation in Syria. It will launch the “Grain from Ukraine” program to cooperate with the Syrian administration and partners ready to support.

After Ukraine stopped gas transit from Russia to Europe, gas supplies to EU countries were maintained through alternative routes via Germany and Italy, as well as by withdrawing gas from storage.
“The gas supply was ensured by alternative routes and by withdrawing gas from storage. The European gas infrastructure is flexible and capable of receiving gas of non-Russian origin,” the report states.
The European Commission confirmed that there were no issues with gas supplies in 2025.
The EU’s energy security was further bolstered by “significant new capacities for importing liquefied gas since 2022,” the European Commission added.

All industrial enterprises in unrecognized Transnistria have ceased operations.
The first deputy “Prime Minister of Transnistria” described the crisis caused by the halt in Russian gas supplies through Ukraine as “severe.”
According to Obolonyk, nearly 75,000 households in Transnistria have been cut off from gas, while another 116,000 households are receiving reduced volumes.

Fico’s Russian gas scare failed, writes Politico.
Kyiv’s refusal to renew the transit deal with the Kremlin did not lead to the disaster Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico had warned about. His attempt to keep purchasing Russian gas fell flat, sparking exaggerated claims of an energy crisis in Central Europe that ultimately proved unfounded.

Fuel oil from Russian tankers has reached the shores of Crimea, according to the Russian Emergencies Ministry.
Two areas of oil pollution were discovered off the coast of occupied Crimea, near Kerch Beach and Lake Tobechik. The ministry claims that cleanup operations were “completed” the previous evening.
The incident in the Kerch Strait marks the first global accident involving M100 heavy fuel oil, which solidifies at +25℃. Unlike other petroleum products, it does not float to the surface, making cleanup significantly more challenging. The ministry stated that no proven technologies exist for removing it from the water column, leaving shoreline collection as the only viable method.

The accident occurred on December 15, involving two Russian tankers, Volgoneft 212 and Volgoneft 239.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Over the first 11 months of 2024, Russians sent $1.6 billion (168 billion rubles) to cybercriminals, according to the IMF of Russia.
The number of IT crime reports surged by 14.3%, reaching 702,000.

Ukrainian partisans report on reinforced military posts in Russian-occupied Yevpatoria, Crimea, and panic among Russians due to the rise in protests and the leak of information damaging their military objectives.
www.kyivpost.com/post/44776

Kyiv Post Morning News Roundup for January 3nd, 2025
www.kyivpost.com/post/44835

Faith in sorcerers overshadows reason in Russia, as every fourth Russian believes in the effectiveness of magicians. The State Duma complained that Russians spend more on occult services than on groceries.
www.kyivpost.com/post/44828

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🔴 Security Guarantees: Zelensky emphasized that security guarantees for Ukraine are ineffective without U.S. involvement. While he welcomes a European peacekeeping mission, he insists it should not replace Ukraine’s NATO membership.
🔴 Economic Recovery: Zelensky believes that significant investments will flow into Ukraine’s economy after martial law ends, prioritizing the country’s reconstruction.
🔴 Kursk Offensive: Zelensky highlighted Ukraine’s success in the Kursk offensive as a key advantage, especially in shaping the opinions of nations in the Global South. The success of the Ukrainian army left a strong impression on them.

In Mykolaiv, a Russian drone fragment caused a spill of vegetable oil into the Southern Bug River.
The reservoir at an agricultural enterprise was damaged during the night of December 28, leading to an oil leak onto surrounding land and into the river.
As of the evening of January 2, 42 tons of oil have been pumped out, and specialists continue their work. Mykolaiv’s mayor stated that the environmental impact is expected to be minimal, as the oil is of organic origin.

⛪️Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry rejects UN accusations of restricting religious freedoms
At the end of December, the UN criticized Ukraine for a lack of “sufficient justification” in dissolving religious organizations, particularly the Moscow Patriarchate Church, claiming this violates international standards.

Air defense forces shot down 60 out of 93 Russian drones, with 26 UAVs locationally lost and one still in the air
Air defense systems were active in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr, Donetsk, and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts.

^Ukraine investigating (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-investigating-french-trained-brigade/) French-trained brigade after reports of desertions, mismanagement.
The statement comes following a media investigation that claimed that soldiers of the unit, deployed near Pokrovsk, have suffered losses and went AWOL (absent without leave) in large numbers due to poor command and organization on Ukraine's side.^

There have been a number of indications over the last 3 years that the Ukrainian army is suffering from the Soviet style leadership training; this seems to be another. Pokrovsk is not a place you want desertions from atm.

Trigger warning - sexual assault.

Apologies for the Daily Mail link but I hope articles like this in right wing rags help people to understand what the reality of a bad peace, where innocent people are condemned to living under occupation, looks like.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14247113/Ukrainian-mother-describes-Russians-stripped-naked-15-men-rape-stopped-torturing-screamed-loud-chilling-threat-daughter-five.html

Several rumours doing the rounds online that al-Assad survived an assassination attempt by poisoning at the weekend.....

What a shame…..that he survived.

He’ll be wanting to avoid any high windows for a while.

www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-january-2-2025

Key Takeaways:

• Ukraine's decision to not renew its contract to transport Russian gas through Ukrainian territory will likely significantly impact Russian gas revenues despite Kremlin posturing to the contrary.
• Gazprom is likely attempting to exploit the cessation of gas transits through Ukraine to create an artificial energy crisis to destabilize Moldova.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signaled that Ukraine will increase drone and missile strikes against Russia in 2025 as part of efforts to bring Russia to accept Ukraine's demands for a "just peace" in future negotiations.
• Russia intends to issue Russian licenses for the operation of all six of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant's (ZNPP) reactors by 2028 as part of Moscow's long-term efforts to legitimize its illegal occupation of the plant and exploit Ukraine's energy supplies.
• Ukrainian forces conducted a missile strike in Kursk Oblast, reportedly against a Russian military command post.
• Ukraine’s Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) specified new details about the December 31 Ukrainian naval drone strike against Russian Mi-8 helicopters in the Black Sea as Ukrainian strikes continue to degrade Russian operations in occupied Crimea.
• Russian forces recently advanced near Siversk, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Vuhledar and in western Zaporizhia Oblast.
• The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) continues to inadequately supply Russian military personnel with basic equipment and ammunition, forcing soldiers to provide their own materiel.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️EU chief von der Leyen ill with 'severe' pneumonia (https://kyivindependent.com/eu-chief-von-der-leyen-ill-with-severe-pneumonia-cancels-engagements/), cancels engagements.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has canceled engagements for the first half of January due to a case of "severe pneumonia," a commission spokesperson said.

⚡️Ukraine's largest steelmaker launches (https://kyivindependent.com/metinvest-armor-for-patriots/) production of Patriot system armor.
"In a month and a half, we created a project from scratch and made a shield from Metinvest's Ukrainian armor steel for the Patriot air defense system crew, which guarantees protection against debris damage to both the defenders and the air defense control center," said Oleksandr Myronenko, a COO of Metinvest Group.

⚡️China may have stopped Putin (https://kyivindependent.com/china-may-have-stopped-putin-from-using-nuclear-weapons-blinken-says/) from using nuclear weapons, Blinken says.
"We have reason to believe that China engaged Russia and said: 'Don't go there,'" outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the Financial Times on Jan. 3.

⚡️Finnish court upholds seizure (https://kyivindependent.com/finnish-court-continues-seizure-of-russian-shadow-fleet-tanker-over-suspected-cable-sabotage/) of Russian tanker suspected of cable sabotage.

⚡️Lukashenko to visit China (https://kyivindependent.com/lukashenko-to-visit-china-ahead-of-belarus-presidential-elections/) ahead of Belarus presidential elections.

⚡️ Number of Ukrainians open to territorial concessions rises to 38%, poll shows. (https://kyivindependent.com/38-percent-ukrainians-territorial-concessions/)
The responses, collected between Dec. 2 and 17, 2024, show a moderate increase since October, when 32% of the respondents were willing to compromise on territorial integrity for a faster peace deal.

⚡️Rolling blackouts begin in Russian-occupied Transnistria (https://kyivindependent.com/rolling-blackouts-begin-in-russian-occupied-transnistria-amid-gas-shortages-ministry-says/) amid gas shortages, local authorities say.

⚡️Transnistria rejects offer (https://kyivindependent.com/transnistria-rejects-offer-to-buy-gas-from-europe-expects-russia-to-resume-supplies/) to buy gas from Europe, expects Russia to resume supplies.

⚡️Moldova faces 'security crisis' (https://kyivindependent.com/moldova-faces-security-crisis-after-russian-gas-shut-off-pm-recean-says/) after Russian gas shut-off, PM Recean says.

⚡️Ukraine aims to raise over $1 billion for 'Danish model' (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-aims-to-raise-over-1-billion-for-danish-model-in-2025/) of defense industry funding in 2025.

⚡️Ukraine hits $24.5 billion (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-hits-24-5-billion-in-agro-exports-nearing-pre-war-levels-agriculture-ministry-reported/) in agro-exports, nearing pre-war levels, Agriculture Ministry reports.
Ukraine, a global agricultural powerhouse, exported 78.3 million tons of products in 2024, including grains and sunflower seeds critical to markets across Africa and Asia.

⚡️Ukrainian Navy ensures safe passage for over 9,000 vessels (https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-navy-ensures-safe-passage-for-over-9-000-vessels-through-sea-corridor-in-2024-navy-commander-says/) through sea corridor in 2024, Navy Commander says.
Navy Commander Oleksii Neizhpapa said that 4,651 vessels arrived in Ukraine, while 4,410 departed for other ports, enabling the export of over 74.4 million tons of cargo, including agricultural products.

⚡️Over 50,000 Russians (https://kyivindependent.com/over-50-000-russians-seek-missing-soldiers-through-ukraines-project/) seek MIA through Ukraine’s project, representative says.
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anna Tsivilyova disclosed on Nov. 26 that her ministry received 48,000 DNA test applications from relatives seeking information about missing soldiers.

⚡️'We are not Russia' — Thousands protest (https://kyivindependent.com/we-are-not-russia-thousands-protest-ficos-pro-kremlin-agenda-in-bratislava/) Fico's pro-Kremlin agenda in Bratislava.
Approximately 4,000 people assembled in Bratislava on Jan. 3 to protest Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's pro-Russian policies, according to local media.

⚡️Russian missile attack on Chernihiv kills 1 (https://kyivindependent.com/russian-missile-attack-on-chernihiv-kills-1-injures-4/), injures 4.
⚡️Woman injured in Russian Jan. 3 attack on Kyiv Oblast dies (kyivindependent.com/woman-injured-in-russian-jan-3-attack-on-kyiv-oblast-dies-in-hospital/) in hospital.
⚡️Russian attacks across Ukraine kill (https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-across-ukraine-kill-2-injure-21-over-past-day/) 2, injure 21 over past day.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦
‪- JAN 4, 2025
■ Engagements up, casualties > 7-day avg
■ >100 drones intercepted (9th highest), good APV losses
■ Visually confirmed: 68 🇷🇺 36 🇺🇦 added (1.9x), last 30 days 1.7x
■ Increased 🇷🇺 shelling & strikes, 3rd day of >50 air strikes

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya, in an interview with “Russia 24,” dismissed recent signals from the U.S. administration regarding the resolution of the war in Ukraine.

Ukraine Aims to Produce 30,000 Long-Range Drones in 2024 — PM Shmyhal
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that Ukraine plans to manufacture at least 30,000 long-range drones this year, alongside approximately 3,000 cruise and missile drones.
To support these goals, the government will allocate 739 billion UAH ($20.03 billion USD) from the state budget for armaments and military equipment. Additionally, over $1 billion is expected to be raised through the "Danish model," where international partners purchase Ukrainian-made weapons for the military.
As part of the "Weapons of Victory" project, Ukraine will initiate long-term contracts with manufacturers lasting three to five years, aiming to boost domestic defense industry production capacity to $30 billion.

Slovakia Maintains Electricity Supply to Ukraine Despite Fico's Threats
Slovakia's state-owned electricity operator, SEPS, confirmed its commitment to providing electricity to Ukraine under the current emergency assistance agreement with Ukrenergo. The company also assured uninterrupted cross-border transmission through high-voltage lines.

North Korean Soldiers Sent to Assist Russia for Combat Experience
North Korea has reportedly deployed soldiers to support Russia, allowing them to gain combat experience in preparation for a potential war. This information comes from the notebook of North Korean special forces officer Jong, who was killed in Kursk by Ukraine's Special Operations Forces.

Transnistria Faces Heating Crisis as Authorities Recommend Firewood
In response to worsening energy shortages, the unrecognized authorities of Transnistria have advised residents to turn to firewood for heating. With natural gas supplies cut off and reserves of fuel oil and coal at the Dniester DRES predicted to last only until the end of winter, officials are encouraging the use of electric heaters where electricity remains available. However, with the potential for increased demand as temperatures drop, these reserves could deplete much sooner, leaving residents facing an even more challenging winter.

The Transnistrian energy systems reportedly has enough coal reserves, sourced from Ukraine before 2014, to last approximately 50 days. Following the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine on January 1, industrial enterprises halted operations, gas supplies to apartment buildings were limited, and households were left without heat and hot water.
Chisinau has repeatedly offered alternative gas supply options, including routes from Bulgaria. However, the occupation administration refuses to purchase gas, relying instead on the promise of “free” Russian gas, exacerbating the region’s worsening humanitarian crisis.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Mike Johnson was elected Speaker of the US Congress on his second attempt. In the first vote, he fell short with only 216 of the 218 votes needed. However, in the second round, two House members switched their votes in his favor.

Poland, which takes over the EU presidency directly after Hungary, did not invite the country’s pro-Kremlin PM Orbán to the handover ceremony.
The Hungarian ambassador was also not invited to the event, which is set to take place this evening in Warsaw.

Ukraine’s bravest surgeon, who built an underground hospital and operated on multiple critically injured patients, tearfully tells Kyiv Post about amputating the limbs of children maimed by Putin’s bombs. [moving article]
www.kyivpost.com/opinion/44819

What’s at stake if the world fails to stop Putin? A former ambassador reveals the devastating consequences of Russia’s expansionist ambitions.
https://www.kyivpost.com/videos/44866

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇺🇸 The U.S. will not be able to deliver all aid to Ukraine by January 20, says (www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4021343/austin-to-attend-udcgs-25th-meeting-department-ramping-up-to-support-multiple-d/) Pentagon spokesperson Singh
Equipment is being gradually supplied from stockpiles, and deliveries may continue even after the current administration’s term ends.

At night, drones attacked a rocket engine manufacturing plant in the Smolensk oblast of Russia
Local telegram channels report that the target of the attack may have been the “Avangard” plant, which is part of one of Russia’s largest missile-building holdings — the scientific and production association of machine building.
▪️The plant is involved in the serial production of transport and launch containers, solid rocket motor casings, armor and radiation protection elements for armored vehicles, and radio-transparent shelters.

34 out of 81 enemy drones were shot down, and 47 more were lost locationally — Ukrainian Air Force

Clash Report

AT clashreport
The first batch of French Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets will be delivered to Ukraine by January 20, reports Avions Legendaires. The batch will likely consist of 3 to 6 aircraft, expected to replace Ukraine’s Su-24 fleet.