It has been the 1043 th day of the Ukrainian resistance to the russian military aggression.
What happened in Ukraine today:
Here is operational information of the General Staff as of 4 pm:
Since the beginning of the day, 101 combat engagements have occurred on the front lines. Our defenders are halting the enemy, holding positions, and disrupting Russian plans. Meanwhile, the occupiers continue concentrating their efforts in the Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, Vremivka directions, and the Kursk region.
Border towns and villages in our country remain under Russian artillery fire. Among the affected settlements today are Tymonovychi, Yanzhulivka, Karpovychi, Zaliznyi Mist, Mykolaivka in the Chernihiv region, and Tymofiivka in the Sumy region.
In the Kupiansk direction, the enemy has made three attempts since the start of the day to advance toward our positions near Kolisnykivka, Zahryzove, and Nova Kruhliakivka.
The aggressor has also increased the number of attacks to six in the Lyman direction, targeting areas near Novoserhiivka, Tverdokhlibove, Kopanky, Makiivka, and Ivanivka.
In the Kramatorsk direction, our defenders repelled nine enemy attacks near Chasiv Yar, Stupochky, and Predtechyne. One engagement is ongoing.
In the Toretsk direction, the enemy made five attempts to advance near Toretsk and toward Shcherbynivka. A battle is currently underway.
Enemy activity also remains significant in the Pokrovsk direction. Seventeen engagements of varying intensity occurred here today. Enemy attacks were repelled near Vozdvyzhenka, Myroliubivka, Lysivka, Novyi Trud, Solone, Kotlyne, Pishchane, Pokrovsk, Novooleksiivka, and Novovasylivka. Seven engagements are still ongoing.
Fierce battles occurred in the Kurakhove direction. Eleven engagements took place near Ukrayinka, Petropavlivka, and Kurakhove throughout the day, with three enemy attacks ongoing.
In the Vremivka direction, the aggressor attacked our defenders’ positions 12 times near Dachne, Kostiantynopol, Yantarne, Novosilka, Rozlyv, and Novyi Komar, with five engagements still underway.
In the Orikhiv direction, one engagement occurred near Novoandriivka since the start of the day, with no success for the enemy.
In the Prydniprovske direction, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled one enemy attempt to dislodge our forces from their positions.
In the Kharkiv, Hulyaipole, and Siversk directions, the enemy has conducted no active operations since the start of the day.
In the Kursk region, Ukrainian defenders repelled 31 enemy attacks, with two engagements still ongoing. Additionally, the enemy launched one missile and nine air strikes using seven missiles and eleven guided bombs, and conducted 198 artillery strikes on our troops’ positions and populated areas.
In other directions, no significant changes in the situation were observed.
Ukrainian forces are exhausting the enemy along the entire front line and in the rear.
At 07:00, in the interests of national security, the transportation of Russian natural gas through Ukraine was halted. Ukraine has duly informed international partners of this decision. The cessation of Russian gas transit marks a historic milestone. Russia is losing markets and will face financial losses. Europe has already decided to phase out Russian gas, and the Repower EU initiative aligns with Ukraine’s actions. As of January 1, Ukraine’s gas transportation system operates without Russian gas transit, ensuring reliable gas supply to Ukrainian consumers. This was announced by Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko.
Over the past year, Ukraine’s air defense systems have shot down more than 1,300 missiles of various types and 11,200 attack drones. This year, the enemy has used significantly more missiles and drones for attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure than last year. Additionally, numerous drones mimicking “Shaheds” have been observed.
Recent war events in the east of Ukraine
Kharkiv oblast
The Defense Forces repelled 160 attacks on the eastern front on December 31, with the heaviest fighting reported in the Pokrovsk direction, according to the General Staff.
In the Pokrovsk direction, the Defense Forces halted 57 assaults and offensives toward Zelene Pole, Baranivka, Novotoretske, Promin, Lysivka, Myrnohrad, Kotlyne, Solone, Shevchenko, Novooleksandrivka, Dachenske, Zelene, Novyi Trud, Vovkove, Pishchane, and Novovasylivka.
In the Kramatorsk direction, 32 assaults took place yesterday near Chasiv Yar, Stupochky, Bila Hora, and Predtechyne. Three of these engagements are still ongoing.
Kupiansk Direction: Since the start of the day, Russian forces have made three attempts to advance toward Ukrainian positions near Kolisnykivka, Zahryzove, and Nova Kruhliakivka, according to the General Staff.
Zolochiv Community: Russia struck near Zavadskyi in the Zolochiv community with a KAB bomb, reported the community head, Viktor Kovalenko. The impact occurred on open terrain around 17:05, with no reported casualties. Additionally, Russian aviation carried out three KAB strikes in the Zolochiv community from 14:50 to 15:05.
One impact was recorded on open terrain near Petrivka, while two others struck near Udy. No casualties were reported, noted Kovalenko.
Kharkiv Direction: As of 16:00, no active operations were carried out by Russian forces in this direction, according to the update.
Borova Attack: On the evening of the previous day, at 20:16, the enemy attacked the Izium District, Borova Community, targeting the village of Borova. A residential building caught fire as a result of MLRS shelling.
Enemy Activity Overview:
- In the Kharkiv direction, one enemy attack was reported in the area of Vovchansk.
- In the Kupiansk direction, there were seven enemy attacks within the day. Ukrainian defense forces repelled assaults toward Lozova, Nova Kruhliakivka, and Zahryzove.
Evacuation Efforts: Intensified evacuation measures from the Kupiansk and Borova areas resulted in the safe relocation of 18 people, including seven children.
Impact of Shelling in Kharkiv: In December 2024, Russian shelling damaged 115 residential buildings in Kharkiv, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov. He reported 892 broken windows in apartments and 38 damaged roofs.
Air Raid Alerts in Kharkiv Oblast: In 2024, there were 28% more air raid alerts than in 2023 and 36% more than in 2022, according to the alerts system data. For nine out of 12 months in 2024, Kharkiv Oblast recorded the highest number of alerts in Ukraine, with peaks in March, September, and October. Most alerts were issued on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Gas Supply Assistance: Kharkiv Oblast ranked second in Ukraine for the distribution of free liquefied gas cylinders to residents in frontline and de-occupied settlements without centralized gas supplies. The total need for liquefied gas cylinders amounts to 22,440 households.
Evacuation Totals: Nearly 6,500 people from the Kupiansk area and almost 4,500 from the Borova direction have already been evacuated to safe locations.
Casualties and Damage in 2024: Over the year, Kharkiv was struck 318 times by Russian forces. These attacks resulted in 94 fatalities and 1,108 injuries, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov.
Donetsk oblast
Using smoke grenades in foggy weather, Russian forces attacked Ukrainian Armed Forces’ positions near Chasiv Yar and Toretsk, destroying several Ukrainian positions, according to the Operational Command “Khortytsia.”
New Year’s Eve Battles in Donetsk Region: Heavy fighting continued on the Pokrovsk front line throughout New Year’s Eve. Ukrainian forces eliminated numerous Russian soldiers, reported Serhii Tsekhotskyi, an officer of the 59th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Yakiv Handziuk.
Russian Shelling in Kostiantynivka: At approximately 00:01 on New Year’s Eve, Russian artillery shelled Kostiantynivka, damaging two private houses, two gas pipelines, and power lines, according to the Donetsk regional police.
Enemy Activity:
- Over the past day, police recorded 1,780 enemy strikes targeting both the front line and residential areas.
- In Uspenivka village, a Russian strike claimed one life.
- Additionally, as noted earlier, Kostiantynivka suffered artillery damage around midnight.
Sloviansk Torchlight Tribute: On January 1, residents of Sloviansk gathered with torches near the Taras Shevchenko monument to commemorate the birthday of Stepan Bandera, the ideologist of Ukraine’s national liberation movement. Military serviceman and local resident Dmytro Zhuravlov shared the event details. Previously, torchlight processions were held annually on this date, with the last taking place in 2022.
Luhansk oblast
On the last day of 2024, the enemy opened fire 87 times on our defenders and frontline villages in Luhansk region.
- Artillery attacks: The enemy struck eight times with artillery systems.
- Drone strikes: 79 UAVs were launched against the fortifications of our defenders.
- Assault attempts: Invaders attempted to storm positions near Dibrova, Nadiya, Novoyehorivka, and Bilohorivka.
Waste Management Promises Remain Unfulfilled
Over two years ago, the occupiers in the so-called “LNR” announced plans to build three solid waste processing complexes and three waste transfer stations. The facilities were intended to handle waste from the occupied territories of Luhansk region and neighboring areas of Russia. Since then:
- Funding has been secured only for the design of one facility.
- Collected waste is taken to an old, reactivated landfill.
- Contractors from Russia have declined to work near the frontline, offering services only in distant cities.
Landmine Danger in Occupied Luhansk Region
The occupiers are not demining territories in the captured settlements of Luhansk region. This neglect includes cities with thousands of residents, not just small, ruined villages.
Recent tragedy in Lysychansk:
- At the end of December, seven teenagers were injured by a landmine explosion.
- All were hospitalized, with three in critical condition in intensive care.
- The incident became known due to the number of victims.
- Regular, smaller-scale casualties are systematically silenced by Russian authorities.
What is happening now in the north of Ukraine
Kyiv oblast
The KCMA reported that on the first day of the new year, russia attacked Kyiv with drones. Air defence forces were operating in the capital. The remains of the downed drones fell in two districts. The russian attack killed two people and injured 6, including 2 pregnant women.
The falling debris in Pechersk district caused a fire on the roof of a non-residential building and partially destroyed the attic floor of a five-storey residential building, with the blaze spreading over an area of 20 square metres. The upper two floors of the residential building were partially destroyed.
In Svyatoshino district, debris fell on a non-residential area, and a local fire broke out. Tram tracks were damaged 100 metres from the tram depot by the remains of the drones. Cars and garages were also affected.
The press service of the National Bank in Pechersk district reported that the fall of the UAV wreckage caused a fire on the roof of one of the organisation’s buildings. The fire was extinguished with the help of the State Emergency Service, and no one was injured. All operating systems and services of the NBU are fully operational.
The RMA reported that a private house and 10 cars in one of the settlements in Kyiv oblast were damaged in a russian attack. There were no civilian casualties or hits to critical or residential infrastructure.
Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klychko announced that in 2024, the capital allocated almost UAH 10 billion from the budget to help the military, veterans and their families. The Ukrainian military has been sent to the frontline: 14,000 UAVs of various types, more than 100 vehicles, electronic warfare systems, communications equipment and other necessary equipment.
In the village of Babintsy in the Buchansky district, major repairs have been completed to improve the energy efficiency of the building of the secondary school No. 13. From now on, 370 students can return to their normal routine. The school building was damaged during the occupation in 2022. Restoration work began in November 2023 at the expense of the Fund for the Elimination of the Consequences of Armed Aggression.
Zhytomyr oblast
the press service of the Ministry of Defence reported The 46th recruitment centre for the Ukrainian Armed Forces was opened in Korosten, located at the premises of the ASC. This centre provides more than 10,000 employment opportunities in the security forces and guarantees a personalised approach to each applicant. At the Ukrainian Army Recruitment Centre, you can choose a position in the Defence Forces based on your civilian profession and preferences.
Sumy oblast
Sumy Regional Military Administration recorded that at night, russian forces shelled Shalyhyne community, by two mortar explosions recorded.
On 31 December, russians carried out 36 shelling attacks on border areas and settlements in Sumy oblast, resulting in 59 explosions. The attacks targeted Khotin, Bilopillia, Krasnopillia, Trostianets, Velyka Pysarivka, Shalyhyne, Esman, Shostka, and Znob-Novhorod communities.
Shostka community: the enemy carried out missile strikes.
Khotin community: russians struck by an FPV-drone (1 explosion), by mortars (9 explosions). A car was damaged as a result of the shelling.
Krasnopillia community: a VOG was dropped from a UAV (6 explosions), an attack by an FPV-drone (1 explosion).
Znob-Novgorod community: russians dropped 4 mines on the territory of the community.
Velyka Pysarivka community: a VOG was dropped from a UAV (7 explosions), artillery shelling (8 explosions), an attack by FPV-drones (2 explosions).
Shalyhyne community: an attack by FPV-drones (2 explosions), mortar shelling (3 explosions).
Trostianets community: the enemy carried out a missile strike (1 explosion).
Esman community: russians struck by mortars (4 explosions).
Bilopillia community: mortar shelling was recorded (3 explosions).
Head of Sumy Regional Military Administration, Volodymyr Artyukh reported that modern digital equipment was handed over to the soldiers of a separate anti-aircraft machine-gun battalion defending the skies over Sumy oblast, presenting 84 tablets and smartphones to the servicemen. The equipment will be used to monitor the airspace, facilitate operational communication, and ensure a rapid response to neutralize enemy targets in the skies above Sumy oblast.
Chernihiv oblast
On 31 December russian army attacked three border communities in Chernihiv oblast.
Semenivka community:
Medvedivka: 5 explosions, probably by 152mm artillery.
Prohres: 4 explosions, probably by 122mm artillery.
Zaliznyi Mist: 30 explosions, by probably MLRS; 1 explosion, probably by FPV-drone.
Semenivka: 25 explosions, probably by 152mm artillery; 5 explosions, probably by 122mm artillery.
A private house, 3 utility facilities, a power line and a gas pipeline were damaged.
Hremiachka: 1 explosion, probably a UAV dropping of explosives.
Tymonovychi: 2 shellings: 17 explosions (152mm artillery) and 6 explosions (120mm mortar).
Snovska community:
Yeline: 5 explosions, probably by 152mm artillery.
Khrinivka: 2 shellings: 3 explosions (FPV-drone) and 1 explosion (dropping of explosives from a UAV).
Huta-Studenetska – 1 explosion, probably dropping of explosives from a UAV.
Horodnia community:
Senkivka: 3 explosions, probably dropping of explosives from a UAV
Recent events in the central regions of Ukraine
Dnipropetrovsk oblast
In the evening and at night, the enemy attacked Nikopol several times. The occupiers used artillery, Grad rocket launchers and a kamikaze drone. They targeted the region centre and Myrove community. The medical centre and 7 private houses were damaged. A fire broke out, destroying an outbuilding, damaging 6 more, and damaging a gas pipeline.
In the morning, on 1 January, the defenders of the sky, the soldiers of the Vostok military group, destroyed an enemy drone.
The enemy does not stop attacking Nikopol region. During the day, the occupiers carried out about three dozen attacks with artillery and kamikaze drones. They targeted the region centre, Pokrovsk, Marhanets, Chervonohryhorivka and Myrove communities. Eleven private houses, 7 outbuildings, an enterprise, administrative buildings, and greenhouses, a shop, a car, infrastructure and a gas pipeline were damaged.
Vinnytsia oblast
In Kursk oblast, Ruslan Hnatyshyn, a mortar platoon driver from the Horodky community, was killed. On 29 December 2024, while performing a combat mission in the war zone near the village of Makhnovka, Kursk oblast, the defender fought his last battle.
Kirovohrad oblast
Andriy Raikovych, Head of Kirovohrad RMA, said that on New Year’s Eve in Kirovohrad oblast, air defence systems shot down a “chess”. There were no casualties or damage.
Poltava oblast
Poltava oblast ranks fifth among the obkasts of Ukraine where the most alerts were issued over the year. In 2024, air raid alerts were declared 1603 times in Poltava oblast. The total duration of the signals was 86 days.
According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, in 2024, emergency responders defused 329 explosive devices in Poltava oblast. In total, they surveyed almost 500 hectares of territory.
Cherkasy oblast
Igor Taburets, Head of Cherkasy RMA, reported that six Shaheds were destroyed in Cherkasy oblast on New Year’s Eve. There were no casualties or damage.
Latest news from the front of the southern regions of Ukraine
Zaporizhzhia oblast
Yesterday, the occupiers carried out 227 strikes on 12 settlements in Zaporizhzhia oblast. The enemy launched six airstrikes on Stepnohirsk. 124 drones of various modifications targeted Zaporizhzhia, Lobkove, Huliaipole, Shcherbaky, Novoandriivka, Novodanylivka, Mala Tokmachka, Bilohiria, Malynivka, Novodarivka, and Olhivske. Seven MLRS attacks struck Shcherbaky and Novodanylivka, while 90 artillery strikes hit Lobkove, Huliaipole, Shcherbaky, Novoandriivka, Novodanylivka, Mala Tokmachka, Bilohiria, Malynivka, Novodarivka, and Olhivske. Two reports were received about the destruction of residential buildings and infrastructure facilities.
On the night of 1 January, Ukrainian air defense forces intercepted all guided aerial bombs (KABs) launched by russian forces at Zaporizhzhia. Additionally, five russian Shahed drones were shot down over Zaporizhzhia oblast.
On New Year’s Eve, russian forces shelled the frontline town of Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia oblast. According to rescuers, two residential houses caught fire. An 83-year-old woman was rescued from one of the houses by firefighters and brought to safety.
It is reported that one fight occurred near Novoandriivka towards Orikhiv since the beginning of the day, with no success for the enemy.
Mykolaiv oblast
On 1 January an explosion occurred around 14:35 in Mykolaiv oblast. An air raid alert was declared in the region at 14:32. At 14:59, the head of Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration, Vitalii Kim, reported that the explosion happened outside the city, likely in the air.
During the night of 1 January, air defense forces shot down two Shahed 131/136 drones over Mykolaiv oblast.
Yesterday, 31 December, the enemy attacked Kutsurub community five times using FPV drones. As a result, an outbuilding in the village of Dniprovske was damaged. Additionally, at 23:52, the enemy carried out an artillery strike on the waters of Ochakiv community. No casualties were reported.
Odesa oblast
As of 6:00 a.m. on 1 January, one carrier of Kalibr cruise missiles was present in the Black Sea, although no missiles were onboard. There were eight enemy vessels in the Mediterranean Sea, including three carriers of Kalibr cruise missiles, with a combined volley capability of up to 26 missiles.
Over the past day, four vessels passed through the Kerch Strait into the Black Sea in the interest of russia, while three ships entered the Azov Sea.
On 31 December 2024, the russian military attacked Odesa oblast with two Kh-31P anti-radar missiles from the Black Sea. The attack damaged an administrative building of an agricultural enterprise and injured a man in Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi region.
A memorial plaque was installed on the facade of Gymnasium No. 2 in Izmail in honor of soldier Oleksandr Yefymov, who died fighting for Ukraine. In 2014, he voluntarily joined the defense of Ukraine in the east. At the start of russia’s full-scale invasion, Oleksandr again took up arms, serving in the Marine Corps as a senior rifleman. He died in combat near the village of Davydiv Brid in Kherson oblast on 1 October 2022.
Kherson oblast
Around 10:00 a.m., russian forces shelled Dniprovskyi district of Kherson. The artillery attack resulted in one fatality and two injuries. Roman Mrochko, head of the City Military Administration, reported that the deceased was 23-year-old volunteer Pavlo Matviiets, a member of the NGO “Strong Because Free.” Pavlo actively delivered household appliances, food, and hygiene kits to those affected by russian attacks and assisted in clearing rubble after shelling incidents.
At approximately 3:30 p.m., russians attacked Beryslav with UAVs. A 59-year-old man suffered blast trauma and shrapnel injuries to his shin from an explosive dropped by a drone. A civilian vehicle near Zelenivka was also targeted by a drone, leaving a 37-year-old man with similar injuries.
Around noon, another russian attack on Kherson injured a 70-year-old man, who sustained a back injury from shrapnel.
At midnight, the russians shelled Dniprovsklyi district. A 46-year-old woman got injured with blast trauma, concussion, and limb injuries.
Additionally, a 52-year-old woman sought medical care for injuries sustained in an evening attack.
Yesterdat, russian forces carried out artillery, MLRS, and UAV strikes on Kherson and Beryslav regions, targeting settlements including Kherson, Antonivka, Sadove, Bilozerka, Nadniprianske, Stanislav, Komyshany, Prydniprovske, Novoraisk, and Tomaryne. The shelling damaged five apartment buildings, 32 private homes, a cell tower, a post office, a utility structure, a garage, and a bus. Five people were injured, including one child.
Prydniprovskyi direction, particularly the island zone, remains a priority for the enemy. Over the past day, russian forces conducted three unsuccessful assault attempts but suffered losses, retreating to their positions. Confirmed enemy losses include 38 personnel, one artillery system, nine vehicles, 23 Shahed-136 UAVs, five reconnaissance UAVs (including Zala, Supercam, Orlan-10, and Merlin-VR), a motorcycle, a quad bike, two boats, and one generator. Ukrainian forces also struck six bunkers, an ammunition storage site, three communication antennas, and three UAV control antennas.
Beryslav community received building tools from international partners. Chemonics International Inc. provided the local utility companies with equipment such as electric tools, construction gear, pneumatic equipment, measuring instruments, and protective gear to acceleratr restoration work.
Tiahynka community received heaters from the CARE humanitarian organization, prioritizing families with children and people with disabilities. Hygiene kits were also distributed to residents.
The Ukrainian Red Cross provided cooking utensils to families living in modular towns, and Coca-Cola donated beverages for the holiday table.
Latest news for today in the western regions of Ukraine
Volyn oblast
Lutsk community sent an unmanned aerial complex “Rat”,a REB QUERTUS KRAKEN Counter FPV, a REB Hymo-L, 2 REB Shelter 6M, 10 DJI Mavic 3PRO, 10 FPV drones, 2 EcoFlow and 2 Starlink to the military.
Zakarpattia oblast
Educators of Yasinia community were presented with certificates of thanks and certificates of honor from Pokrovsk RMA and Mariinsk City Military Administration. From 28 October to 7 November, educators erected protective shelters for the Ukrainian military near the front line, built fortifications in Pokrovsk region, Donetsk oblast.
Ivano-Frankivsk oblast
Ivano-Frankivsk community allocated UAH 10,000 each for the rehabilitation of 198 military personnel. The total amount is UAH 1.98m.
Lviv oblast
24 owners and co-owners of apartments destroyed by the September shelling have already received compensation for the purchase of new housing. The total amount of funds paid from the city budget of Lviv community is UAH 37.2m.
Rivne oblast
In December, the number of alarms increased compared to November (from 20 to 23). The largest number of days without sirens was 5 days (from 25 to 31 December).
Ternopil oblast
28 defenders from Ternopil community will each receive UAH 10,000 in one-time cash assistance for equipment. The total amount of payments is UAH 280,000.
Khmelnytskyi oblast
At night, during an air alarm signal, the Air Defense Forces destroyed 2 enemy UAVs of the Shahed type. There are no injuries or deaths.
Chernivtsi oblast
The Taiwanese city of Kaohsiung became the 10th member of the UNBROKEN Cities network. The family of U Chun-Da, a volunteer who served in the International Legion, lives in Kaohsiung. Unfortunately, he died in November, defending Ukraine near Chasivo Yar.
International support of Ukraine in the russian-Ukrainian war (russia’s invasion of Ukraine)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy reported that the country provided €13m to support the Ukrainian energy industry. The allocated funds will help to stabilize the supply of electricity to millions of Ukrainians affected by the war. The Italian Foreign Ministry also emphasized that this contribution will provide the country with the equipment that is desperately needed to restore energy supply.
Poland provides PLN 2.5m in aid for demining in Ukraine. The funds will be used to strengthen security and stability in those areas of Ukraine that are heavily contaminated by landmines and explosive remnants of war.
Materials compiled by Tetyana Pidgorna, Olena Reka, Yana Hushchyna, Tamara Moshkovska, Sofia Ratynska, Ioanna Kryvenko, Helena Albahachiieva, Kristina Maknynia
Translated by Tetyana Pidgorna, Yana Hushchyna, Alla Litrovnyk, Liudmyla Stadnykova, Ilona Korolevska, Tetiana Moiseienko, Marharyta Koval, Tetiana Kurbatova
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