Ukraine ticker Power outage in Russian-occupied region of Ukraine

On February 24, 2022, Russia began its war against Ukraine in violation of international law. There is no end in sight. The developments in the ticker.

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Sunday, January 18, 2026 - 9.40 pm

Kiev: Ukrainian delegation held "substantive" talks in the USA

According to negotiator Rustem Umerov, a Ukrainian delegation has held "substantive" talks in the USA with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and the president's son-in-law Jared Kushner. Umerov, who heads Ukraine's National Security Council, told online services on Sunday that the talks were about an economic development plan and security guarantees for Ukraine. The talks are to be continued on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

21.05 hrs

Power outage in Russian-occupied region of Ukraine

According to the occupying forces, there have been power cuts in the part of the south-eastern Ukrainian region of Zaporizhia occupied by Russian troops due to Ukrainian drone attacks. This affects a "significant part of the Zaporizhia region", wrote the governor appointed by Moscow, Yevgeny Balitsky, on Telegram. Generators would supply important facilities such as hospitals and ensure the water supply. Balitsky called on the population to be patient for the duration of the repair work.

At the same time, Balitsky threatened to impose penalties for publishing footage of the air defense deployment and the consequences of impacts. Videos of suspected drone strikes on a substation near the city of Melitopol had previously been circulated on social networks.

According to the occupation authorities, the Russian-occupied part of the neighboring Kherson region is also affected by the power outages. Several hundred settlements are without electricity, according to the Kremlin-appointed governor Vladimir Saldo.

Saturday, January 17, 1:32 p.m.

Ukrainian negotiators land in the USA for talks

A Ukrainian delegation has arrived in the USA for talks on the US government's plan to end the Russian invasion war. The aim was to discuss "details of the peace agreement", announced Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of Staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, on Telegram. He said that he would negotiate this alongside negotiators Rustem Umerov and Davyd Arachamia with US negotiator Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Dan Discroll and the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, Jared Kushner.

Selenskyj said on Friday in Kiev that the delegation would try to work out documents with the US officials for a proposed peace settlement relating to security guarantees for the post-war period and economic reconstruction. If an agreement is reached, the US and Ukraine could sign the documents next week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. According to the organizers, Trump is also expected to attend. The proposals would also have to be presented to Russia.

Meanwhile, Russia continued its attacks on the Ukrainian energy supply. According to the Energy Ministry, facilities in the Kiev and Odessa regions were attacked on Saturday night. More than 20 villages in the Kiev region were left without electricity. The new Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Friday that the authorities had eased the curfew so that people could go to public centers with heating if necessary.

Russia is trying to cut off the Ukrainian civilian population from heat and running water during the freezing winter months in an attempt to break the will to resist the invasion. Night temperatures in Ukraine have dropped to as low as minus 18 degrees.

20:31

Selensky warns of new massive Russian air strikes

Against the backdrop of a cold spell and massive energy supply problems, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned of new massive Russian air strikes. "Please pay attention to the air alerts," said the head of state in his evening video message.

At the same time, he criticized the Western allies. "We are talking honestly with our partners about the necessary missiles for air defense and air defense systems. The deliveries are not enough," emphasized Selenskyj. Kiev is urging its partner states to speed up the delivery process.

Our intelligence reports that Russia is preparing new massive attacks. We are speaking frankly to our partners—both about air-defense missiles and the systems we need so much. Supplies are insufficient. We are trying to speed things up, and it's crucial that our partners hear us. pic.twitter.com/S5mxhOI3fL

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 16, 2026

19.51 hrs

Ukraine announces talks with USA for Saturday

Ukraine has announced talks in the USA this Saturday on the "future security architecture" and the "long-term economic development" of the Eastern European country. The Ukrainian ambassador in Washington, Olha Stefanishyna, wrote on Facebook that the talks will focus on agreements on security guarantees and the "economic development of Ukraine" with a total volume of up to 690 billion euros.

She named Miami in the state of Florida as the venue for the negotiations. If things go well, the agreement could be signed as early as next week at the World Economic Forum in Davos (Switzerland).

According to her, the Ukrainian delegation includes the Secretary of the Security Council, Rustem Umjerow, the Head of the President's Office, Kyrylo Budanow, and the head of the parliamentary faction of the presidential party Servants of the People, David Arachamija. She did not provide details of the US negotiators.

6.38 pm

Selenskyj: Air defense systems were partly without ammunition during Russian attacks

Some of the air defense systems supplied to Ukraine by its Western allies were unable to repel the recent Russian attacks on the country's energy infrastructure due to a lack of ammunition, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyi. "Until this morning we had several systems without missiles," Selenskyj explained at a press conference on Friday. "Today I can say this openly, because today I received these missiles," added Zelenskyi.

Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal ordered more electricity imports from abroad in view of the situation. "State-owned companies, in particular Ukrainian Railways and gas supplier Naftogaz, must urgently ensure that the amount of electricity needed to cover at least 50 percent of total consumption during the 2025-26 heating season is procured," Shmyhal said on Friday.

🛑 Ukraine has serious problems with air defence ammunition — as of this morning, several systems were left without missiles

Volodymyr Zelensky said this at a press conference after meeting with Czech President Petr Pavel.

The ammunition has now arrived. However, each such aid… pic.twitter.com/xzL6qdUSk8

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) January 16, 2026

Friday, January 16, 2026, 4:15 a.m.

Russian ambassador accuses NATO of militarizing the Arctic

The Russian ambassador to Denmark accuses NATO of wanting to militarize the Arctic in view of the US claims to Greenland. NATO states, including Denmark, are using the spectre of a Russian or Chinese threat on a grand scale to militarize the Arctic, Vladimir Barbin told the Russian state news agency Tass. Nato member Denmark is pursuing a confrontational approach "by drawing Nato" into the Arctic, which is leading to increasing military tensions in the region.

Russia has no aggressive plans towards its Arctic neighbors, Barbin said. Nor does it intend to lay claim to their territory. Moscow had previously warned against overriding Russian interests in the Arctic in view of the US claims to Greenland. Russia, with its long northern coastline on the Arctic Ocean, considers the Arctic to be its sphere of interest. It is increasingly using the sea routes in the region and expanding its military presence.

Greenland, which is largely autonomous, is part of the territory of Denmark. However, US President Donald Trump wants to incorporate the huge resource-rich island into the USA. He justifies his demands with the security of the region and the US population, which he sees as being threatened by China and Russia. Following unsuccessful talks in Washington to settle the Greenland conflict on Wednesday, several of Denmark's NATO allies are sending soldiers to the Arctic island. The German Armed Forces are also taking part in the fact-finding mission with just over a dozen soldiers.

22:41

Russian oil and gas revenues fall to five-year low

The revenues from the oil and gas business used by Moscow to finance its offensive in Ukraine have fallen to their lowest level in five years, according to the latest data from the Russian Ministry of Finance. In total, oil and gas sales generated revenues of the equivalent of just under 93 billion euros in 2025, according to the figures. This is the lowest level since 2020 and a decline of 24% compared to the previous year.

The Russian oil and gas sector is the subject of numerous sanctions imposed by the EU and the USA as a result of the Russian offensive in Ukraine almost four years ago. In October, the USA placed the two largest Russian oil companies Lukoil and Rosneft on its sanctions list.

Nevertheless, Russia continues to sell oil and gas to partners such as China, India and Turkey, partly by circumventing Western sanctions, according to experts.

21:58

Selenskyj urges higher electricity imports

Against the backdrop of new Russian attacks on energy facilities, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has called on the Cabinet of Ministers to find solutions within a day. "Above all, to increase the import of electricity and all options for reserve supplies," said the head of state in his evening video message. This would also require greater cooperation between local government bodies and energy companies. He announced daily consultations with members of the government and regional officials on the situation in the energy sector.

There had also been a separate consultation with Defense Minister Mychajlo Fedorow and the head of the Air Force Anatolij Krywonoschko on the protection of energy facilities. "Today there were again heavy missile strikes on Kharkiv, on the critical infrastructure. Drones flew at Kiev this morning and now in the evening," Selensky noted.

The situation is also difficult in the border region with Russia and the Dnipropetrovsk and Odessa regions. He announced new talks with allies in order to strengthen air defense. He had already spoken to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte about the purchase of missiles for air defense systems.

Since the fall, the Russian military has intensified its attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities. According to the state electricity grid operator Ukrenergo, the Eastern European country can import up to 2450 megawatts of electricity from its EU neighbors Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary to cover its deficit.

16:53

Putin blames Europeans for poor relations

Russia's head of state Vladimir Putin laments the poor relationship with Europe - but sees the blame for this solely with the European neighbors. The state of bilateral relations "leaves much to be desired", said Putin, who accepted the credentials of new ambassadors in the Kremlin in Moscow. Ambassadors from France, Italy, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Switzerland were among those taking up their posts in Moscow.

"Dialogue and contacts have been reduced to a minimum - and not through our fault, I would like to emphasize that - for state as well as economic and social circles," Putin said. He hoped that over time there would be a return to normal and constructive relations.

The Kremlin leader ignored the fact that the war of aggression he ordered against Ukraine was the cause of the rift. He said that Russia was striving for lasting peace there. "Not everywhere - including in Kiev and the capitals that support it - is ready for this," he explained. Until then, Russia will pursue the goals it has set itself. Russia has not backed down from its maximum demands in the conflict.

10.31 a.m.

Russia expels British diplomat

Russia has again expelled a British diplomat for alleged espionage. A formal protest has been sent to the deputy head of the embassy because a diplomat belongs to the British secret services, the Foreign Ministry in Moscow announced.

The person concerned has had his accreditation, i.e. his work permit in Russia, withdrawn. He has been given two weeks to leave the country. The Russian domestic intelligence service FSB published a corresponding announcement.

The FSB had uncovered an undeclared employee of the British secret services who had been sent to the British embassy under a cover, it said. According to the information, it concerns a second secretary of the embassy's internal administration.

This is not the first time that a British diplomat has had to leave over accusations of espionage. The two countries have repeatedly clashed because diplomats allegedly use their stay for secret service activities.

The Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, which has now been going on for almost four years, has further strained relations.

4.33 p.m.

Selenskyj sharply criticizes Klitschko for emergency situation in Kiev

No electricity, no heating, but severe frost - the Ukrainian leadership is intervening in the emergency situation in the capital Kiev, which has been going on for days. At the same time, President Volodymyr Selensky criticized the crisis management of the city administration under Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The government had discussed the situation in Kiev, Odessa, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih and Kharkiv, Zelensky said in his evening video address. "We see that a lot has been done - especially in Kharkiv, where the local authorities have prepared themselves," he said. "Kiev, unfortunately, has done much less. Very little has been done in the capital." Even now, the repair work there is not progressing intensively enough, he criticized.

The new Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal also praised Kharkiv and criticized the capital. Kiev had "not prepared at all. That is why we must now resort to emergency measures," said Shmyhal in parliament.

The intervention of the government in Kiev, and therefore in Klitschko's jurisdiction, also means that an old political conflict is reigniting. Zelenskyi and Klitschko were rivals in the 2019 presidential election. Despite the truce that prevails domestically in Ukraine due to the war, there are repeated quarrels between the two.

A meeting on emergency situation in Ukraine’s energy sector, with special attention to Kyiv.

The consequences of Russian strikes and deteriorating weather conditions are severe. Repair crews, energy companies, municipal services, and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine… pic.twitter.com/l85R3I6c6A

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 14, 2026

More warm-up points need to be set up in Kiev and other cities, said Selenskyj. The possibility of relaxing the night-time curfew so that citizens can reach these contact points at any time is being examined. People can warm up, charge their devices and get hot drinks at these so-called "points of resilience". There are 1,200 such points in Kiev alone.

Thursday, January 15, 2026 - 4:30 a.m.

Too many Ukrainians with protection status S unemployed

According to Blick, the federal government has narrowly missed its target for the employment of people with protection status S. The aim was for half of people with protection status S who have been in Switzerland for at least three years to be in employment by the end of 2025, the newspaper wrote. At the end of November 2025, the corresponding rate was around 46 percent. "Cantons that have not reached the target must make additional efforts and submit action plans," a spokeswoman for the State Secretariat for Migration told the newspaper. The Federal Council expects all parties involved to continue to increase the employment rate by the end of 2026.

Around 72,000 Ukrainians with protection status S currently live in Switzerland.

7.57 p.m.

Emergency measures to combat desperate situation in Kiev

No electricity, no heating, but severe frost - the Ukrainian leadership is responding to the difficult situation in the capital Kiev with emergency measures. A state of emergency has been declared for the entire energy sector in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Selensky announced after a crisis meeting. A coordination center will be set up to take special care of the needs of the city of three million people. The entire government should organize additional equipment and help.

Kiev's supply networks were knocked out by a heavy Russian airstrike last Friday (9 January). Initially, there was no heating in 6,000 apartment blocks, half of the existing stock, said Mayor Vitali Klitschko at a meeting with his city administration. Currently, 400 houses are still unheated and it is hoped that they will be reconnected to the district heating network by Wednesday evening. With 12 degrees of frost during the day and 18 degrees of frost at night, unheated houses cool down quickly.

Klitschko reported that most residents only had electricity for three hours at a time and then no power for ten or more hours. The city is in the most difficult situation since the start of the war. Kiev is suffering from a humanitarian crisis and is reaching a critical point, wrote journalist Oleksy Sorokin from the "Kyiv Independent" on the x network: "There are places in Kiev that are currently uninhabitable."

I think it’s safe to say that Kyiv has reached the state of a severe humanitarian crisis and approaches a critical point.

There are places in Kyiv that are currently unliveable.

— Oleksiy Sorokin (@mrsorokaa) January 14, 2026

3.19 pm

New EU loan for Ukraine is primarily intended to strengthen the military

According to the European Commission, a large part of the huge new EU loan for Ukraine is to benefit the armed forces fighting against Russia.

According to a proposal presented by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Ukrainian military is to be supported with 60 billion euros (around 55.9 billion Swiss francs).

The remaining 30 billion euros of the total 90 billion euro loan are to be made available to Ukraine as budgetary support, according to the Brussels authority's proposal.

The support will ensure that Ukraine can strengthen its defense on the battlefield and expand its military capabilities on the one hand and maintain the state and basic public services on the other, said von der Leyen.

The EU Commission's concrete proposal was preceded by an agreement between the heads of state and government of the member states on financing Ukraine for the next two years. At a summit meeting shortly before Christmas, after months of dispute, they had agreed on a compromise to give Ukraine an interest-free loan of 90 billion euros for 2026 and 2027.

11.59 am

Raid on former head of government Tymoshenko's party office

The office of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko's Fatherland Party has been raided by investigators from the Ukrainian anti-corruption authorities.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) reported that the head of a parliamentary faction had been reported for suspicion. She is alleged to have influenced the voting behavior of members of other parliamentary groups with cash payments.

Tymoshenko herself wrote on Facebook after the raid: "More than 30 men armed to the teeth effectively occupied the building without any documents and took the staff hostage." She described the measure as a "PR operation" and categorically rejected "all absurd accusations". Telephones, parliamentary documents and "personal savings" were confiscated.

The suspect faces up to ten years in prison. Tymoshenko is the leader of the Fatherland Party, the third largest parliamentary group with 25 MPs. Last July, she criticized NABU and SAP as a means of foreign control over Ukraine.

Tymoshenko has helped shape Ukrainian politics for many years. She was Prime Minister in 2005 and from 2007 to 2010. The now 65-year-old failed three times in presidential elections. Between 2011 and 2014, she spent time in prison after being convicted of abuse of office. The proceedings against Tymoshenko were criticized internationally at the time as politically motivated.

5.24 a.m.

Tens of thousands in Krywyj Rih without electricity

Following the Russian drone attacks on energy infrastructure in Kryvyi Rih, more than 45,000 customers have had their electricity cut off. This was announced by the head of the military administration, Olexander Wilkul. The heat supply has also been disrupted.

4.30 a.m.

Rostov-on-Don: Russian anti-aircraft missile reportedly hits residential building

An industrial plant is on fire in the southern Russian port city of Rostov-on-Don following a Ukrainian drone attack. According to the mayor, Alexander Scriabin, several residential buildings were also damaged by falling debris.

The Ukrainian online medium "Kyiv Indipendent" reports that a fire in a residential building was caused by a Russian anti-aircraft missile.

Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 0.10 a.m.

Zelensky admits difficult situation in Ukraine

After almost four years of war, the situation in Ukraine continues to deteriorate, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyi - both on the front and in the hinterland. Ukraine has once again been shelled by Russia. "There were 18 ballistic missiles alone," said Zelensky in his daily video address. There were also combat drones and cruise missiles.

Electricians have been working for weeks to keep the power grid running to some extent, Selensky said. "The weather poses additional challenges - extraordinary challenges," he added, referring to the double-digit sub-zero temperatures.

Ukraine's power grid has been severely damaged following the systematic and recently intensified Russian attacks. Grid shutdowns are the order of the day. Ukrainians have to make do without electricity and heating for hours every day.

But there are also problems on the front line, Selenskyj admitted: "It's difficult everywhere now - the front line is the hardest," he said. Despite the frost, Russia is continuing to attack. At least, according to him, the defense is also holding up. Ukraine has been on the defensive for months and recently had to give up further positions in the east and south of the country.

Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 5:30 a.m.

Dead in attack in Kharkiv

According to Ukrainian reports, at least two people have been killed in a Russian attack on the outskirts of Kharkiv in north-eastern Ukraine. Three people were also injured, the governor of the Kharkiv region, Oleh Synehubov, said on Telegram. Another attack with a long-range drone caused a fire in a medical facility for children, according to Kharkiv's mayor Igor Terekhov. According to initial findings, no one was injured.

11 p.m.

USA condemns Russian attack with Oreshnik missile as "inexplicable escalation"

The USA has condemned Russia's attack on Ukraine with the modern Oreshnik medium-range missile. "This is another dangerous and inexplicable escalation as the United States works with Kiev, other partners and Moscow to end the war through a negotiated settlement," said US Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Tammy Bruce at an emergency UN Security Council meeting on the Ukraine war.

The Russian armed forces had used the Oreshnik missile in massive night-time attacks on Ukraine on Friday night. According to Moscow, the hypersonic missile hit an aircraft repair factory in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv. Ukraine stated that a "civilian" target in the region had been hit. The attack near the border with the EU triggered outraged reactions from Western governments.

It was the second known attack with a missile of this type in Ukraine. In November 2024, the Russian army attacked an arms factory in the megacity of Dnipro with the modern nuclear-capable missile.

21.35 hrs

Selenskyj warns population of massive attack

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned the citizens of his country of another violent attack by Russia. There is intelligence information that Moscow is preparing another massive attack, Selensky said in his evening video message. Specifically, he spoke of drones to disable air defenses and missiles. This attack could happen in the next few days, he said, and called on people to heed the air alert. Russia wants to take advantage of the cold, he said. In many regions of Ukraine, temperatures are currently falling into the double-digit minus range at night.

Last Thursday, Selensky had already warned of a new massive attack by Moscow during the night. Russia's military did in fact launch a fierce attack on Ukraine on Friday night, using, among other things, the new Oreshnik medium-range missile in an attack on the western Ukrainian region of Lviv. In the capital Kiev, the massive attack resulted in such severe power, water and heating supply failures that Mayor Vitali Klitschko advised people to temporarily leave the city.

Selensky also spoke of progress in the exchange between the Ukrainian negotiating team and US representatives. Documents were largely ready to be signed, he said, but did not give any details. He expects the Davos format to be very successful in terms of relations with Ukraine's partners and its reconstruction following the Russian attacks. The World Economic Forum (WEF) traditionally takes place in Davos at the beginning of the year. It is actually the annual meeting of the members, mainly large companies. According to WEF ideas, they should think about their contribution to solving global crises. For years, politicians from all over the world have used the forum for informal discussions.

7.40 p.m.

War mission for Russia: Estonia imposes entry bans

Estonia has imposed entry bans on 261 Russians who were involved in the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and deployed on the front line.

"There is no doubt that these are people with a hostile attitude towards Europe. They have combat experience, military training and often also a criminal past. They are also psychologically traumatized," said Interior Minister Igor Taro, explaining the move. These are the first entry bans, with more to follow.

Estonia 🇪🇪 imposed entry bans on the first 261 of Russian combatants who took part in the war of aggression against Ukraine 🇺🇦 - and this is only the beginning.

Hundreds of thousands of fighters from the aggressor state have been involved in this brutal war, committing…

— Margus Tsahkna (@Tsahkna) January 12, 2026

The entry bans are unavoidable, as those who have committed atrocities in Ukraine in the name of Russian President Vladimir Putin have no place in the free world. "The threat they pose is not theoretical - it includes both the possible execution of orders for Russian secret services and involvement in organized crime," Taro was quoted as saying in a statement.

Foreign Minister Margus Tsakhna emphasized that former combatants have no business in Estonia and the Schengen area and that the current entry bans are only the beginning. "We will continue to work to ensure that the door remains closed to Russian ex-combatants and call on other countries to do the same," he wrote on Platform X.

11.09 a.m.

Great Britain plans new missile for Ukraine

Great Britain wants to help Ukraine militarily with a new short-range ballistic missile. The "Nightfall" project is seen as a direct response to the Russian deployment of the "Oreshnik" missile and is directed against President Vladimir Putin's strategy.

Prototype already in 1 yearUkraine receives new "Nightfall" missile - designed to hurt Putin

Monday, January 12, 2026, 4:07 a.m.

Russian attacks in the west of Ukraine

Russian forces have attacked the northern parts of the western Ukrainian region of Rivne for almost an entire day. This was announced by the head of the regional military administration, Oleksandr Koval. No one was injured, but infrastructure was damaged. The Ukrainian air force had previously warned of Russian drones in the region. Emergency services are busy cleaning up the consequences of the attacks.

3.37 pm

Kiev: Three Russian oil platforms hit

Ukrainian military forces have claimed damage to three Russian oil drilling platforms in the Caspian Sea. The platforms belonging to the Russian oil giant Lukoil were used to supply the Russian armed forces in Ukraine, the Ukrainian General Staff in Kiev announced on Telegram. The General Staff did not provide any details on the nature of the attack, but spoke of "direct hits", meaning that the use of long-range drones seemed possible.

After the attack, the Ukrainian special forces published a video showing the attack from the perspective of attacking drones. The report on the attack and the video could not be independently verified.

12.30 pm

Kiev accuses Kremlin of targeted terror against population

Following the heavy airstrikes this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has accused Russia of targeted terror against the people of his country.

The Russian military had used around 1,100 drones, 890 guided aerial bombs and 50 rockets and cruise missiles, including the medium-range Oreshnik missile, against Ukraine in the past week, he wrote on social networks. "On targets that have no military significance: Energy facilities and residential buildings."

Moscow had waited for the frosty weather to make life as hard as possible for ordinary Ukrainians. "This is deliberate, cynical Russian terror against the people," argued Selensky.

He illustrated his words with video clips of drone damage to civilian objects in Kiev and the surrounding area as well as in the Kharkiv, Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Odessa, Zaporizhia and Chernihiv regions. Images from the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, where the Oreshnik missile hit, were not shown.

In many regions, the situation remains difficult after Russian strikes on our critical infrastructure. Energy workers and repair crews are working around the clock to restore electricity, heat, and water supply for people. And this is truly a monumental effort that matters… pic.twitter.com/1ZzvN3Zn0s

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 11, 2026

The Kremlin presents the ongoing bombing of Ukraine as strikes against exclusively militarily relevant objects, even if the civilian population suffers from the destruction of power plants.

For its part, Moscow has recently made accusations of terrorism against Kiev because Ukraine allegedly launched a drone attack on one of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin's residences. Putin ordered the war against Ukraine almost four years ago.

11.45 a.m.

Fatal blackout in Zaporizhzhya region rectified

According to the authorities, the complete blackout in the south-eastern Ukrainian region of Zaporizhia caused by heavy Russian drone attacks during the night has largely been rectified.

"As of [6 a.m. CET], the power supply in the Zaporizhzhya region - which affects 382,500 families and companies - has been fully restored," said Andriy Stasevskyi, director of the local energy supplier Zaporizhzhyaoblenergo, according to a Telegram entry from the company.

According to the report, the power supply in the region collapsed completely at around 2 a.m. "At 2.11 a.m. that night, there was a power outage in the Zaporizhzhya region; the region was completely without electricity," it says. Stasewskyj praised his employees, saying that the rapid repair work had made it possible to resume operations.

According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia launched 154 combat drones during the night. 125 were intercepted, but there were also more than 20 impacts, the air defense admitted.

Sunday, January 11, 2026, 11 a.m.

Kiev's drones attack oil facilities in western Russia

In the western Russian region of Voronezh, a woman has died as a result of a night-time Ukrainian drone attack, according to the authorities. "To our great regret, a young woman died in intensive care during the night after suffering injuries from drone debris that fell on a residential building," Governor Alexander Gusev announced on Telegram.

Another woman is still in hospital and two other injured people have been discharged after outpatient treatment. According to Gusev, it was "one of the most serious drone attacks since the start of the special military operation" on the city. The term is used by Russian officials to describe the war against Ukraine ordered by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin almost four years ago.

Both sides in the war are also intensively shelling the hinterland of the opposing warring party, with civilian casualties occurring time and again. Ukraine mainly uses drones and targets oil and gas industry facilities. Russia is also using rockets and cruise missiles and firing at energy supply facilities.

The extent of the destruction and the number of dead and injured in Ukraine is significantly higher than in Russia.

7.33 pm

Merz wants to reduce the country's dependence on Russia during his trip to India

On his upcoming trip to India, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is pursuing the goal of tying the world's most populous country closer to Europe in terms of both economics and security policy. India is currently looking for cooperation partners in the field of security and armaments, according to government circles in Berlin. "This offers opportunities to reduce India's dependence on Russia in this area."

Accordingly, cooperation between the Indian and German defense industries is to be intensified. India is a "key partner in Asia". In the run-up to the Chancellor's trip, the "Handelsblatt" newspaper had reported on progress in the negotiations on a submarine deal with India. The submarine and frigate manufacturer Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) is to equip the Indian Navy with six modern submarines. Negotiations have been going on for years.

Merz leaves for India on Sunday, where he is to be received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat on Monday. The Prime Minister himself comes from Gujarat, which is why the Federal Chancellery sees the invitation to Ahmedabad as "a special sign of Modi's personal esteem, which has so far only been granted to selected heads of government", according to government circles.

17.12 hrs

Kiev: Missile on Kharkiv, casualties in Sloviansk

According to the authorities, seven civilians were injured in a bomb attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Sloviansk. According to the Ukrainian public prosecutor's office in the Donetsk region, the Russian military dropped a heavy guided aerial bomb of the Fab-250 type on the city. The metropolitan area of Sloviansk-Kramatorsk is the last bastion in the Donetsk region that Ukrainian forces still control. Russia claims the region for itself.

In the Kharkiv region to the north, the authorities reported a rocket hit in the regional capital of the same name. An infrastructure building and an apartment building were hit, Mayor Ihor Terekhov announced on Telegram. The extent of the damage was initially unclear.

The consequences of the Russian air strikes are severe for Ukraine. In many regions, people are suffering from the loss of electricity and heating due to severe frost. The Russian military justifies the strikes against infrastructure objects by claiming that the electricity is also used by the Ukrainian defense industry.

13:55

"Fox News" asks: Would Trump also capture Putin?

It is Peter Doocy from Donald Trump's house and court channel "Fox News", of all people, who asks Donald Trump a tricky question in the White House yesterday.

It was about the US operation against Venezuela's head of state Nicolas Maduro and the Ukrainian president, who is said to have joked with regard to the operation and Vladimir Putin: "If you can deal with dictators in this way, then the United States of America knows what it should do next."

"Would you ever order a mission to capture Vladimir Putin?" Doocy finally asks. Trump's answer: "I don't think that will be necessary. I've always had a good relationship with him. I'm very disappointed."

DOOCY: Would you ever order a mission to capture Putin? TRUMP: I don't think it's going to be necessary. I've always had a great relationship with him. I'm very disappointed.

[image or embed]

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) 9. Januar 2026 um 21:49

He has settled "eight wars", Trump then explains. He had thought that peace in Ukraine would be easier. "I don't know if you knew it, Peter [Doocy], but in the last month they've lost 31,000 people, many of them Russian soldiers, and the Russian economy is doing badly."

Trump ends with: "I think we'll be able to solve the problem in the end." Many people would die, especially soldiers.

1 p.m.

Almost 72,000 Ukrainians have fled to Switzerland

After Kiev relaxed its exit regulations for men between the ages of 18 and 22, the number of Ukrainian refugees in Switzerland has shot up noticeably, reports the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).

"A few days after these exit regulations came into force, applications for protection from these people increased across Europe," SEM spokesperson Nicolas Cerclé explained to Blick."The number of S applications from people in this group remained high for several weeks."

The figure now stands at 71,754 people with protection status S. Recently, however, there have been fewer applications again: In winter, the number decreases until it reaches its lowest point in spring, according to the SEM.

Saturday, January 10, 12:30 p.m.

Balance of the night-time air strikes

There were casualties and serious damage in renewed mutual drone attacks between Russia and Ukraine during the night.

According to Governor Olexandr Hansha, three people were injured in the south-eastern Ukrainian region of Dnipropetrovsk - one man in the regional capital of Dnipro and one man and one woman in the large town of Kryvyi Rih. Fires broke out there as a result of the attack, he wrote on Telegram. "The infrastructure was damaged. There were power cuts."

There was also damage to energy systems in Dnipro itself and corresponding problems with the power supply. A garage facility was affected. The air defense was able to intercept 27 drones, Hanscha wrote.

For its part, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported the shooting down of 59 Ukrainian drones. Eleven aircraft were intercepted over the Black Sea and ten more over the southern Russian region of Krasnodar.

1 / 3 ⚡️ Drone attack sparks oil depot fire in Russia’s Volgograd Oblast. Russian officials say debris from a downed drone ignited a blaze at an oil facility in the Oktyabrsky district overnight. No casualties reported. 🔗 kyivindependent.com/oil-depot-fi...

[image or embed]

— Lewi Whalberg (@anno1540.bsky.social) 10. Januar 2026 um 08:30

However, there was also damage on the Russian side. According to the governor of Volgograd, an oil depot in the urban settlement of Oktyabrsky was hit by drone debris. A fire had broken out there and extinguishing work was ongoing. Residents had to be evacuated to safety because of the flames.

20:03

Selenskyj: Russia wants to take out our cities

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, Russia is trying to make Ukraine's major cities uninhabitable with heavy air strikes in the middle of winter. "The Russians are taking advantage of the weather - the cold snap - and are trying to hit as many of our energy facilities as possible," he said in his evening video message from Kiev. Most recently, the capital Kiev was hit, before that Dnipro, Zaporizhia and Kryvyi Rih, and before that Odessa.

"Russia's main tactic is to try to completely eliminate cities," said Selensky. He demanded that all city administrations be prepared and protect their citizens. In the cities attacked, the supply of electricity, water and heating has largely failed.

The attacks showed that Moscow does not care about diplomacy and the peace efforts of the USA, said Selenskyj. The deployment of the Oreshnik medium-range missile in western Ukraine on the external border of the EU and NATO was "an equally great challenge for Warsaw, Bucharest, Budapest and many other capitals". No country is protected by its relationship with Russia. What is needed is a common European defense.

The Russians are exploiting the cold snap – trying to hit as many of our energy facilities as possible. So much for their respect for America and all diplomacy. The main Russian tactic is to try to completely shut cities down.

Oreshnik was used again – this time against the Lviv… pic.twitter.com/I53NaCwBLC

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 9, 2026

18:33

Kiev reports Russian attacks on two cargo ships in the Black Sea

According to information from Kiev, the Russian armed forces have attacked two cargo ships in the Black Sea. One ship was on its way to the southern Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk, while the other was hit near the port of Odessa, Ukrainian Reconstruction Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said on the online service Telegram on Friday. One Syrian crew member was killed in the attack.

"This is another example of Russia deliberately targeting civilian objects, international shipping and food logistics," Kuleba added. One ship had been intended for a grain cargo, the other had been hit while transporting soybeans.

Russia attacked two civilian vessels in the Black Sea, killing a Syrian crew member, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kuleba reports. One of the ships, sailing under the Comoros flag and carrying soybeans, was struck near the port of Odesa. pic.twitter.com/inzFRrgSoE

— NOELREPORTS 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 (@NOELreports) January 9, 2026

16:47

Klitschko advises citizens of Kiev to leave the city

Following the heavy Russian air attack on Kiev, Mayor Vitali Klitschko has advised the inhabitants to temporarily leave the city of three million people. 6,000 apartment blocks, half of the apartment buildings in the Ukrainian capital, cannot be heated at the moment, Klitschko wrote on Telegram. "The city services are working in emergency mode."

Last night's attack was the most serious of the war so far for Kiev's infrastructure. The situation is exacerbated by the harsh winter. Anyone who can find energy and warmth elsewhere should leave the capital temporarily, Klitschko wrote.

This was not an official call for evacuation, but was meant as advice to Kiev residents to go to their stove-heated dachas or stay with relatives and friends in less affected areas.

According to the energy ministry, around 500,000 consumer points in the capital and the surrounding area were without power on Friday morning. According to a count by the Ukrainian air force, the Russian army attacked Kiev during the night with more than 200 drones as well as dozens of rockets and cruise missiles. At least four people were killed. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that 20 apartment blocks had been damaged.

⚡️Kyiv Mayor Klitschko urges residents to 'temporarily leave city' as Russia targets critical infrastructure.https://t.co/Pk0DZrX1X9

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) January 9, 2026

11.21 a.m.

Medvedev compares missile deployment with tranquillizer injection

Russia's former President Dmitry Medvedev has justified the use of the new Oreshnik medium-range missile against Ukraine as a tranquilizer.

"Dangerous psychopaths need a straitjacket or a rescue injection of haloperidol," wrote the politician, who is still influential as deputy head of the National Security Council in Moscow. This is what happened last night in western Ukraine. Haloperidol is a drug used to treat schizophrenia.

Medvedev, who was once seen as a beacon of hope for liberalization in the country, has made a name for himself as a hardliner in Moscow with harsh rhetorical attacks not only against Ukraine, but also against the entire West since the start of the war. Among other things, he has threatened to drop nuclear bombs on London, Paris and Berlin.

7.37 am

Russia confirms - Ukraine attacked with once-banned missile

Russia reports a retaliatory strike with the new "Oreshnik" hypersonic missile system against targets in Ukraine. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, drone production sites, energy infrastructure and other militarily relevant facilities were attacked during the night. The target was infrastructure that supplies the Ukrainian military-industrial complex. "The objectives of the attack were achieved," according to the statement from Moscow.

The attack was a reaction to an allegedly foiled drone attack on a residence of Vladimir Putin in the Novgorod region at the end of December.

"The stinking bastard from Kiev wants war"Ukraine allegedly attacked Putin's residence - they contradict

According to the Ministry of Defense, in addition to "Oreshnik", other long-range precision-guided weapons from the air, land and sea as well as drones were also used. The ministry issued a harsh warning: "No terrorist act by the criminal Kiev regime will go unanswered."

The Oreshnik system would previously have been banned by the INF Treaty between the USA and the Soviet Union, which prohibited land-based missiles with ranges of between 500 and 5500 kilometers. However, since the withdrawal of the USA and the end of the treaty in 2019, Russia is no longer bound by it.

6.23 am

Trump holds out the prospect of new Russia sanctions

US President Donald Trump has signaled support for a new package of sanctions against Russia due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. "I support it," he said in an interview on US broadcaster Foxnews. However, he went on to say: "I hope we don't have to use it." "Major sanctions have already been imposed on Russia" and the Russian economy is "very bad", Trump said. However, Russia is bigger than Ukraine and a more influential country.

In recent months, Trump has imposed several measures against the Russian economy due to the war in Ukraine, which has been going on for almost four years, including punitive measures against the two largest Russian oil companies and punitive tariffs against India due to its trade relations with Russia.

According to Republican US Senator Lindsey Graham, Trump could use the sanctions package to increase pressure on countries such as China, India and Brazil to stop buying Russian oil. He expects approval from Democrats and Republicans in the US Congress in the coming week.

3.59 a.m.

Russia fires ballistic missile at Ukraine

Despite ongoing peace efforts, Russia has fired a heavy ballistic missile at western Ukraine on the border with EU and NATO territory. The Ukrainian air force announced that an air alert had been issued for the entire country at around 11.30 p.m. local time (10.30 p.m. CET) on Thursday. There was a risk of a ballistic weapon being launched from the Russian Kapustin Yar test site. A short time later, impacts were reported in the Lviv region.

An object of critical infrastructure had been attacked, regional governor Maksym Kosyzkyj wrote on Telegram. Ukrainian military blogs published alleged videos from the region showing six hits in succession. This resembles the hit pattern of six warheads of the new Russian medium-range missile Oreshnik (Haselstrauch).

There was no official confirmation of the use of this missile. "It is not known whether it was an Oreshnik," said the mayor of Lviv, Andriy Sadovyi. The military would have to provide information on this. Residents of the region described the loud impacts as many earthquakes in a row. No details of the target were given. However, the Lviv region is home to the Stryj underground gas storage facility, which has already been the target of several Russian attacks.

The Oreshnik medium-range missile, which according to Russia is new, was first fired at the southern Ukrainian city of Dnipro in November 2024. This launch also took place from Kapustin Yar near Astrakhan in southern Russia. According to Ukrainian sources, the six warheads did not contain any explosives at the time. Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin spoke of a test and threatened that more would follow. Western military experts see the Oreshnik as a further development of the Russian RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. The range is estimated at 2000 to 5000 kilometers. Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko says that Russia has now also stationed the Oreshnik in his country.

2.40 pm

Massive attacks on Kiev: four dead

At least four people have been killed in heavy Russian airstrikes on Kiev. Several injured people are being treated in hospital, reported Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Several districts of the Ukrainian capital were affected, including a fire on the upper floors of a residential building. Russia initially attacked Kiev with drones and later that night with cruise missiles.

⚡️Update: 4 dead, 10 injured as Russia launches mass attack on Ukraine.

A paramedic was among those killed as a result of a double-tap strike, and five of the wounded were hospitalized, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported.https://t.co/MvFYe5aKym

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) January 9, 2026

1.15 a.m.

Missile strikes recorded near Lviv

In the midst of a nationwide missile alert in Ukraine, several impacts have been recorded near the city of Lviv in the west. An object of critical infrastructure was attacked in the Lviv region, Governor Maksym Kosyzkyj wrote on Telegram. More information should follow. The Ukrainian air force, which had warned of a ballistic missile attack, canceled the alert after the impact.

Ukrainian military blogs published alleged videos from the region showing six hits in succession. This would correspond to the hit pattern of six warheads of the new Russian medium-range missile Oreshnik. Telegram channels reported launch preparations at the Russian Kapustin Yar test site near Astrakhan. There was no official confirmation of the deployment of an Oreshnik.

In November 2024, Russia had attacked the Ukrainian city of Dnipro with this weapon, albeit with empty warheads, and described this as a test.

Friday, January 9, 2026, 0:30 a.m.

Missile alert triggered for the whole of Ukraine

An air alert has been triggered throughout Ukraine due to a possible Russian missile attack. "Imminent danger from the use of ballistic weapons", wrote the Ukrainian air force on its Telegram channel. President Volodymyr Zelensky also said in his evening video message that there were signs of a massive Russian air attack on Friday night. "It is very important to pay attention to air alerts today and tomorrow and to constantly go to shelters," he said.

Initially, the Russian army attacked late in the evening with dozens of combat drones. Air defense was deployed over the capital Kiev, Mayor Vitali Klitschko announced. Russia usually uses missiles and cruise missiles later. Explosions were reported from Lviv in western Ukraine.

A combined attack on Thursday night caused a blackout in the Zaporizhzhya and Dnipropetrovsk regions in the south. In the city of Dnipro, hundreds of thousands of consumers were without electricity throughout the day. At the same time, the Ukrainian energy system is struggling with severe frost and snow.

7.12 pm

Zelensky warns of Russian attacks during frost period

According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine is bracing itself for even heavier Russian air strikes during the current frost period. "There is information that there could be a new massive Russian attack tonight," warned Zelensky in his evening video message from Kiev. Citizens should pay attention to air alerts and take refuge in shelters.

"Russia is currently relying more on winter than on diplomacy, on ballistic missiles against our energy supply and not on work with America and agreements with President (Donald) Trump," said Selenskyj.

Thursday, January 8, 2026,

US Senator Graham: Trump clears the way for Russia sanctions

US President Donald Trump has given the green light to pursue a bipartisan bill on Russia sanctions, paving the way for a possible vote in the Senate as early as next week. This was announced by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham on X. "This comes at the right time, as Ukraine is making concessions for peace and Putin is just making big speeches and continuing to kill innocents," Graham wrote.

After a very productive meeting today with President Trump on a variety of issues, he greenlit the bipartisan Russia sanctions bill that I have been working on for months with Senator Blumenthal and many others.

This will be well-timed, as Ukraine is making concessions for peace…

— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 7, 2026

If passed, the bill would impose secondary sanctions on countries such as China, Brazil and India that buy Russian oil and gas. The aim is to restrict an important source of funding for Russia's war against Ukraine. "This bill will allow President Trump to punish those countries that are buying cheap Russian oil and fueling Putin's war machine," Graham continued.

22:33

Dead after attack on ports near Odessa

According to Ukrainian authorities, at least two people have been killed by a Russian air attack on ports near Odessa on the Black Sea. The Russian army used drones and missiles, the governor of the Odessa region, Oleh Kiper, announced on Telegram. Eight people were also injured.

There was damage to the infrastructure of the ports of Pivdenny and Chornomorsk. Kiper published photos of destroyed containers and damaged trucks. According to media reports, explosions could be heard in Odessa itself.

Ukraine's important exports of grain and other agricultural products pass through the ports on the Black Sea. Russia repeatedly shells the port facilities, but also the city of Odessa itself. Ukrainian forces have attacked Russian tankers in the Black Sea in recent weeks.

Other large cities in the south were also attacked by Russia from the air in the evening. In Dnipro, the power went out in many parts of the city, as the radio station Suspilne reported. There were also problems with the water supply. Zaporizhzhya and Kryvyi Rih were also hit, where eight people were injured, according to the city administration.

20.52 hrs

Zelenskyi does not rule out end of war by mid-2026

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi does not rule out an end to the war in the first half of 2026 in view of progress in peace talks. "We note that the negotiations with our European partners and, of course, with the USA and all members of the coalition of the willing have reached a new milestone," said Zelenskyi during a visit to Cyprus.

EU leaders gathered in the capital Nicosia at the start of Cyprus' six-month EU Council Presidency. "We are aware that this war can be ended during your presidency," Zelenskyi said at the ceremony, according to the Interfax Ukraina news agency. At the same time, the president said that Moscow must be put under further pressure through sanctions in order to agree to an end to its war of aggression. "Every dollar Russia loses, it loses as an aggressor."

The day before, a summit meeting of supporting countries in Paris had promised Ukraine security guarantees for a ceasefire. Plans also became more concrete as to how peace in Ukraine could be secured militarily.

France, Great Britain and several other countries are prepared to send troops to Ukraine. Other countries, such as Germany, are prepared to deploy military troops to Ukraine from abroad. However, the possible presence of foreign troops has so far been a reason for Moscow to reject all peace proposals.

Wednesday, January 7, 2025, 5:30 a.m.

Christmas service: Putin invokes war as a "sacred mission"

At a Russian Orthodox Christmas service, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the "holy mission" of his troops to defend Russia. He combined the ceremony with a Christmas speech about unity, charity and support for the armed forces. The war that Russia started with its invasion of Ukraine is nearing the end of its fourth year. The Kremlin presents the conflict as a national mission and relies heavily on patriotic and religious symbolism.

8.28pm

British Prime Minister raises the prospect of troop deployments in Ukraine

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has held out the prospect of deploying British and French armed forces on Ukrainian soil following a ceasefire. Together with French President Emmanuel Macron, he had signed a declaration of intent to this effect, which "paves the way for the legal framework" for such a deployment, he said at a press conference following a meeting of the so-called coalition of the willing in Paris. Other, unnamed allies also want to send their units to Ukraine.

The aim of the troop deployment is to "secure Ukrainian air and sea space and rebuild the Ukrainian armed forces for the future." Following a ceasefire, Great Britain and France wanted to establish military bases in Ukraine and build protected facilities for weapons and military equipment, Starmer continued.

20.10 hrs

EU Council President: Ukraine should receive binding guarantees

At a meeting in Paris, the countries supporting Ukraine have agreed to contribute to efforts to end the Russian war of aggression. "We are ready to commit ourselves to a system of politically and legally binding guarantees that will come into force as soon as a ceasefire comes into effect," said EU Council President António Costa after the discussions. The EU will contribute to the efforts to ensure the security guarantees that Ukraine needs for any agreement on lasting peace.

Specifically, Costa mentioned support for Ukraine on the path to EU accession, which should also secure the country's future prosperity. He also referred to new planned financial aid amounting to 90 billion euros over the next two years as well as the EU training mission for the Ukrainian armed forces that is already underway. "Ukraine must be in the strongest possible position - before, during and after any ceasefire," Costa said.

5 a.m.

Kherson without electricity after Russian shelling

Kherson is partially without electricity due to Russian shelling. Specialists have already begun emergency repairs. This is reported by Yaroslav Shanko, the head of the military administration of the city of Kherson, according to Ukrinform on Telegram. "After another round of Russian bombardments, Kherson is partially without electricity," the message reads. Earlier, Russian troops shelled the grounds of a hospital in the Dniprovskyi district of Kherson, injuring two people, including a medical worker.

Tuesday, January 6, 2025, 4:30 a.m.

Report: US plans to detain Russian-flagged oil tanker off Venezuela

The US armed forces are planning to intercept a sanctioned Russian-flagged oil tanker linked to the Venezuelan oil trade. This was reported by the news portal "Kyiv Independent" with reference to CBS News.

The ship in question, formerly known as "Bella 1", is known for its involvement in the crude oil trade between Iran and Venezuela. On December 20, it evaded a US blockade of sanctioned oil tankers en route to Venezuela by refusing entry to the US Coast Guard. This refusal ultimately led to the ship being pursued by the US in the Atlantic.

As a result, the Bella 1 was renamed Marinera and appeared in a Russian ship register with Sochi as its home port. The crew had painted a Russian flag on the deck. There is no official confirmation from the US government of the seizure plans.

⚡️US plans interception of Russian-flagged tanker linked to Venezuelan oil trade, CBS News reports.https://t.co/Sxy0GHUnnF

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) January 6, 2026

19.11 hrs

Submarine cable not damaged by suspicious ship, according to Latvia

According to the Latvian authorities, a ship suspected of being involved in another cable damage in the Baltic Sea was not involved in the incident. Investigations on board the ship found no evidence that it had anything to do with the damage to an undersea cable off Latvia, the police announced on Platform X. Investigations into the circumstances of the incident off the coast of the port city of Liepaja are now continuing.

"We must first clarify whether the damage was caused by malicious action or whether it was simply due to weather conditions," a police spokesperson told Latvian radio. The investigators are urgently awaiting further information from the cable operator about the nature, location and extent of the damage.

Damage to a fiber optic cable belonging to a private company was discovered in Latvian territorial waters at the weekend. The police in Riga are investigating possible sabotage and initially identified a ship as the suspected cause of the damage. Investigators therefore inspected the ship on Sunday, which is currently moored in the port of Liepaja, examined the anchor and checked the technical equipment and logbooks.

The ship's crew was also questioned, who cooperated with the police and voluntarily provided all the information necessary for the investigation. The information obtained so far does not indicate that the ship in question was involved in the cable damage, according to the statement. According to the radio report, the ship in question was a Norwegian freighter that had called at Liepaja on schedule and was loading timber. The ship was therefore able to continue its work.

Monday, January 5, 2026, 3.32 am

Trump: Ukraine did not attack Putin's residence

According to US President Donald Trump, Ukraine did not target the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin in a drone attack last week - contrary to the Kremlin's claims. "I don't believe that attack took place," Trump told reporters on Sunday on the flight back to Washington. The president was referring to an assessment by the US security authorities after European representatives had argued that the Russian claim was nothing more than an attempt by Moscow to undermine the peace process.

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declared last week that Ukraine had launched a wave of drones at Putin's state residence in the Novgorod region. These had all been intercepted. Lavrov criticized Kiev for launching the alleged attack at a time of intensive negotiations to end the war.

The claim came just one day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Florida to talk to Trump about the US government's 20-point plan to end the war, which is still under development. Selensky immediately rejected the accusations.

Initially, Trump had taken the Russian accusation seriously. Last Monday, he told reporters that Putin had already addressed the matter in a phone call with him. Trump also stated that he was "very upset" about the accusation. On Wednesday, however, the president shared a link to a New York Post editorial on his Truth Social platform that cast doubt on the Russian account.

5.28 pm

Ukrainian drones heading for Moscow

According to Russian reports, a swarm of Ukrainian drones has been targeted by air defenses on its approach to the capital Moscow. At least 32 drones have already been shot down, announced Mayor Sergei Sobyanin according to the state agency Tass. He did not provide any information about possible damage or casualties.

Exilenova+ has published the first footage of the ongoing drone attack on Russia’s Moscow region. https://t.co/zxGam7n6Ui pic.twitter.com/38CNiwaL2W

— WarTranslated (@wartranslated) January 4, 2026

Due to the approach of the drones, flight operations were temporarily suspended at Moscow's Zhukovsky and Vnukovo airports for safety reasons. Incoming flights were diverted.

Sunday, January 4, 2026 - 11:28 a.m.

Selenskyj: Around 2,000 Russian airstrikes in New Year's week

Following around 2,000 Russian airstrikes in the New Year's week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has called on allies to provide more support for the country. "Stability and predictability of aid for Ukraine are what can really persuade Moscow to engage in diplomacy. We are counting on further defense assistance," Selenskyj wrote on Telegram. Over the past week, Russia has deployed more than 1,070 glide bombs, almost 1,000 drones and 6 missiles against Ukraine.

10.01 pm

Selenskyj: USA knows what to do with dictators

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has praised the US attack on Venezuela and the arrest of ousted head of state Nicolás Maduro as groundbreaking examples of how to deal with "dictators". "If you can deal with dictators like this, then the United States of America knows what to do next," Zelenskyi told journalists in Kiev, according to Ukrainian media.

The context of the statement suggested that Zelenskyi had Kremlin head Vladimir Putin in mind, without mentioning him by name. At a press conference with US President Donald Trump in Florida, Foreign Minister Marco Rubio had previously said that the operation against Maduro was also a warning to others in the world that America should be taken seriously.

Selenskyj has repeatedly described Putin as a dictator and does not consider him to be a legitimate head of state. He commented on the situation in Putin's war against Ukraine after further negotiations in Kiev, during which national security advisors discussed the future protection of Ukraine. Selensky announced further talks.

“If that’s how it works with dictators, then the United States knows what to do next,” President Zelensky said when asked about the unfolding events in Venezuela.

😁 pic.twitter.com/F006pUeutx

— NOELREPORTS 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 (@NOELreports) January 3, 2026

18:55

Trump attacks Putin at Venezuela press conference

At his Venezuela press conference, US President Donald Trump was asked about his current attitude towards Vladimir Putin. He had had no contact with the Russian president before the attack on Maduro, said the US president. Regarding the current war, the US President said: "I'm not thrilled with Putin, he's killing too many people", Trump explained. "This war has turned into a bloodbath", Trump said.

“This war has become a bloodbath, and we want to get it stopped,” Trump said about the war in Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/Y7OhQSwlyY

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) January 3, 2026

Saturday, January 3, 2026 - 4:04 p.m.

Talks on Ukraine continue with security advisors

Security advisors from several countries have met again in the Ukrainian capital Kiev to negotiate the future of the country attacked by Russia. "I hope that 2026 will be the year of peace", said chief negotiator Rustem Umjerow according to media in Kiev. He also published photos of the meeting on Telegram. Diplomats and security advisors from 14 EU states and Canada were present.

US envoy Steve Witkoff was connected via video. NATO and the EU were also represented, said Umjerow. The main topic of discussion was further agreements on the security guarantees demanded by Kiev from the USA and the Europeans. In the event of a ceasefire, these guarantees are intended to protect Ukraine from possible future Russian attacks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also received the guests at his residence and said that the talks were making progress. All of this must lead to peace that lasts for decades. He also announced new meetings in the USA. Selensky did not initially give any dates.

10.58 p.m.

Zelenskyi wants to replace defense minister again

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi wants to once again fill the post of Defense Minister for the fight against the Russian war of aggression. The deputy head of government and Minister for Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, is to take over from Denys Shmyhal, Zelensky announced in his evening video message. The Ukrainian parliament must approve the appointment.

Shmyhal was only dismissed as head of government in the summer and appointed as defense minister in place of Rustem Umyerov. He is to take on another task that is no less important for the stability of the country, said Zelenskyi. "I have decided to change the way the Ministry of Defense works," said Selensky.

Fedorov is intensively involved in the use of drones in the war and is working very effectively on the digitalization of state services and processes. "Together with our entire military, the military leadership, the national arms manufacturers and Ukraine's partners, we must implement such changes in the defense sector that are helpful," said Zelenskyi.

The personnel appointment is another building block in the reorganization of the defence and security apparatus in Ukraine initiated by Zelenskyi. "Today we have begun a fundamental new start - internal changes to make Ukraine more stable," said Zelensky. Due to problems in the past, there has been a "wave of personnel changes". More are to follow.

7.33 pm

Kiev orders evacuation of 3000 children from Zaporizhia and Dnipropetrovsk

The Ukrainian authorities have ordered the evacuation of several thousand children and their parents from embattled areas in the regions of Zaporizhia and Dnipropetrovsk. Due to the "difficult security situation", it has been decided to evacuate more than 3,000 children and their parents from 44 villages on the front line in the Zaporizhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions, explained Reconstruction Minister Oleksiy Kuleba in the online service Telegram.

Russian soldiers had advanced in both regions in recent months.

According to the minister, there have already been evacuations in the Chernihiv region in the north of the country in the last few days of December. In total, 150,000 people have been moved from frontline areas to safer areas since June 1, 2025, explained Kuleba.

Most of the forced evacuations of civilians in recent years have taken place in the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine, where most of the fighting took place. However, the Russian army is also advancing in the Dnipropetrovsk region, which it invaded in the summer of 2025, and in the Zaporizhzhya region, where the front was frozen for a long time.

17:14

Zelenskyi appoints new head of military intelligence

Ukrainian foreign intelligence chief Oleh Ivashchenko has been appointed head of the HUR military intelligence service in Kiev. This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyi after he appointed the previous head of HUR, Kyrylo Budanov, as head of his office. The 56-year-old Lieutenant General Ivashchenko had been in charge of foreign intelligence since 2024. In his new role, he will continue to work on weakening Russia's economy and limiting Moscow's military potential, Zelenskyi announced on social media.

"We are continuing to focus on weakening Russia's economic potential: The less the aggressor earns, the more opportunities there are for diplomacy. This applies in particular to Russian oil exports, which are becoming more restricted and cheaper," said Selenskyj. He also commented on the numerous drone strikes against the neighboring country's energy infrastructure.

"We are taking a similar approach with regard to Russian arms production: the more we cut the aggressor's links to the world and its strategies for circumventing sanctions, the greater the potential for efforts to end the war," Selensky continued. He was grateful to the foreign intelligence service for its work. It was unclear who would lead Ukraine's foreign intelligence in the future.

I had a meeting with Oleh Ivashchenko. First and foremost, as Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, Oleh reported on the overall situation around our state and the current threats. We will continue to focus on reducing Russia’s economic potential – the less the… pic.twitter.com/QXlmwSobGa

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 2, 2026

16.09 hrs

Ukraine: Many wounded after a rocket hits a residential area in Kharkiv

In Ukraine, numerous people have been injured in an attack on the large city of Kharkiv, according to the authorities. According to preliminary information, two missiles hit a residential area, wrote President Volodymyr Zelenskyi on social media.

The exact number of victims is still unknown. Selensky accused Russia of continuing the killing despite international diplomatic efforts. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov initially wrote on Telegram of 16 injured and considerable damage after a hit on a high-rise building.

In the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, a 51-year-old man was also killed by Russian fire, according to the regional governor there, Olexander Prokudin. Attacks on a thermal power plant could lead to interruptions in the heat supply, it was also reported.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Energy announced this morning that Russia had once again attacked the energy infrastructure, particularly in the Zaporizhzhya and Mykolaiv regions. In many regions of the country, electricity is only available for hours at a time as a result of the damage caused by Russian attacks.

1.46 pm

Yermak successor: Zelenksiy makes Budanov the new chief of staff

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has appointed former military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov as his new chief of staff.

Ukraine must now focus more on security issues, the development of the defense and security forces and diplomatic negotiations, Selensky announced today on Telegram.

Ukraine‘s President Zelenskyy has offered GUR head Kyrylo Budanov the role of the Head of the Presidential Office of Ukraine. Good choice.

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— (((Tendar))) (@tendar.bsky.social) 2. Januar 2026 um 12:57

His previous chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, resigned in November following a corruption scandal. Budanov will head the president's office in future.

Budanov took over the leadership of the GUR military intelligence service in 2020. Under him, the agency carried out several high-profile operations in Russia that targeted the country's military and energy capabilities.

Zelenskyi dismissed Yermak on November 28 following an anti-corruption raid on his property. This was part of an investigation into alleged corruption in the energy sector.

1.30 pm

Moscow accuses Kiev of attack on café with 27 dead - Ukraine denies it

According to Russia, 27 people were killed in an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on a café and a hotel in a Russian-occupied village in the Ukrainian region of Kherson.

Two minors were among the dead, the spokeswoman for the Russian Investigative Committee, Svetlana Petrenko, announced today. A total of 31 people were injured and taken to hospital. Kiev denied having attacked civilian targets.

☠️ Kherson region. Collaborator Saldo reported an attack on a cafe and hotel in occupied Khorly. Previous similar attacks show that such establishments often host gatherings of occupation administration officials and military personnel during holidays.

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— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) 1. Januar 2026 um 11:10

According to Russia, the shelling occurred on New Year's Eve in the village of Chorly, when at least 100 civilians were celebrating the New Year. Petrenko said that an investigation was underway into an act of terrorism.

A spokesman for the Ukrainian General Staff, Dmytro Lykhoviy, told the Suspilne radio station that Ukrainian troops "only carry out attacks against Russian military targets, facilities of the Russian fuel and energy sector and other legitimate targets".

Ukraine denied involvement on Thursday in a New Year’s Day drone attack on a seaside café in Ukraine’s russian-occupied Kherson region which moscow says killed at least 27 civilians. www.kyivpost.com/post/67296

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— Сонечко Flea🐶 (@sonechkoflea.bsky.social) 2. Januar 2026 um 12:04

A list of targets published by the General Staff, which the Ukrainian military had attacked on New Year's Eve, did not include any attacks on Russian-occupied areas of Kherson. Lykhoviy accused Russia of repeatedly disrupting the ongoing peace negotiations with false statements.

The AP news agency was unable to independently verify the information provided by Ukraine and Russia.

12.30 p.m.

Balance of the nightly air strikes

According to Ukrainian reports, Russia attacked the city of Zaporizhia with at least nine drones overnight today (Friday).

Dozens of residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were damaged, the head of the regional administration, Ivan Fedorov, announced on Telegram. There were no casualties. According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia fired more than 110 long-range drones at Ukraine during the night.

Russia struck Zaporizhzhia. There are fires in the city.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) 1. Januar 2026 um 23:50

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that Russian air defenses had intercepted 64 Ukrainian drones over Russia during the night. The governor of the Belgorod border region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, accused Ukraine of a missile attack on the Russian city of the same name.

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Meanwhile in Russia's Belgorod region, their own air defence is thought to have hit an apartment block and a shopping mall. pic.twitter.com/T3zad73TtL

— Tim White (@TWMCLtd) January 2, 2026

Two women were taken to hospital with injuries. Windows in residential buildings had been destroyed in the attack and an unspecified so-called commercial facility had also been damaged, he said. Several cars were also damaged.

11.30 a.m.

Selenskyj: Peace agreement is "90 percent" complete

In his New Year's address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that a peace agreement was "90 percent complete". He said that "the fate of peace, the fate of Ukraine and Europe" depended on the remaining ten percent. This ten percent presumably includes points of contention such as territorial cessions.

Another year is passing, hard-won through dedication and tenacity, through principles and the daily effort of Ukrainians.

This year was made possible thanks to our defenders – those who stood their ground not only for Ukraine, but also for all who value freedom and dignity.… pic.twitter.com/cFA6tfJVlg

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 31, 2025

Friday, January 2, 2026, 4.15 a.m.

Attack on Putin residence? Moscow hands over material to the USA

According to its own statements, Russia has decrypted navigation data on a Ukrainian drone that is supposed to prove an allegedly planned attack on a residence of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. The materials with decrypted routing data in a folder as well as a component of the drone were handed over to a representative of the military attaché of the US embassy in Moscow, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced.

The ministry also published a video of this unusual meeting between the head of the Russian military intelligence service GRU, Igor Kostyukov, and the uniformed officers. Ukraine has been calling the Russian accusations a lie for days - with the aim of justifying strikes against government buildings in Kiev.

Read more here:

Trump shows distanceRussia hands over "evidence" of an attack to the USA - doubts remain

19.57

Selenskyj expects further progress in negotiations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expects further progress in the negotiations with the Americans, Europeans and NATO representatives over the next few days in the struggle for security guarantees. "The most important thing is the security guarantees for Ukraine," said Zelensky in his evening video message broadcast in Kiev. "Politically, almost everything is ready, and it is important to clarify every detail of how the guarantees will work in the air, on land and at sea if we manage to end the war," he said.

At the meeting of national security advisors this Saturday (January 3) in Kiev, 15 countries, representatives of the EU and NATO had confirmed their participation. The American team will be connected online, said Selenskyj. On January 5, there will be talks at the level of the chiefs of staff, followed by a summit of the "coalition of the willing" on Tuesday. Ukraine is preparing for a productive meeting, said Zelensky.

Zelensky also reported on a telephone conversation with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, who holds the EU Presidency for the next six months. "Ukraine's membership of the European Union is also a security guarantee and we are also working towards membership," said Zelenskyi.

Rustem Umerov is in contact with the American team and our partners in Europe every single day. We are preparing formats and important meetings. On January 3, a meeting of national security advisors will take place in Ukraine. This is the first such meeting in Ukraine and it is… pic.twitter.com/KbZWegi7ze

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 1, 2026

16:22

Ukrainian secret service faked death of militia leader

At the end of December, the Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR faked the death of a Russian militia leader fighting against Moscow's troops in Ukraine. On New Year's Day, intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov showed a video of Denis Kapustin, head of the Russian volunteer corps RDK, who was believed to be dead. It is fighting alongside Ukrainian troops against the Russian invasion.

In a complicated operation, the HUR succeeded in identifying the masterminds of a planned assassination attempt on Kapustin within the Russian secret service, according to a statement. The bounty of 500,000 US dollars (around 400,000 Swiss francs) offered by Moscow had been secured and would now benefit the defense of Ukraine. However, there were no independent sources for this account from Kiev.

Kapustin's troops announced on December 27 that their commander had been killed by a Russian drone attack in the Zaporizhia region. Revenge was threatened for the death of the right-wing extremist with the combat name White Rex. In the past, the RDK had also advanced into Russian territory with fighters and heavy military equipment during the war and had temporarily controlled villages there.

🔴 BREAKING: The commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps, Denis Kapustin, survived a $500,000 Kremlin assassination plot after a month-long counter-op.

The money meant to kill him was redirected to support Ukraine’s fight. pic.twitter.com/ItZolB18er

— UNITED24 Media (@United24media) January 1, 2026

12.33 p.m.

Berlin has delivered two new Patriots to Kiev

According to military sources, Ukraine has received two more powerful Patriot air defense systems with German assistance. The weapons are already being used to protect Ukrainian cities and important infrastructure, according to the Ministry of Defense in Kiev.

According to Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, this was made possible "thanks to the latest agreements with the German government". Last August, the German Ministry of Defense announced the gradual delivery of components for two Patriot systems.

🇩🇪🇺🇦 Two Patriot air defense systems arrived in Ukraine from Germany, - MoD pic.twitter.com/A2i3nkOn2q

— MAKS 25 🇺🇦👀 (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) January 1, 2026

In return, Germany would receive preferential and rapid delivery of the latest generation of Patriots from the USA, it was said at the time. Norway announced in the summer that it would financially support the delivery of the two systems to Kiev. Schmyhal also mentioned the systems from Germany in December at a meeting of Ukraine's military supporters in the so-called Ramstein format.

The new announcement from Kiev suggests that the delivery has been completed. Germany had previously provided Ukraine with three complete Patriot systems.

For the country under attack, the US-made air defense systems are the best weapon against Russian ballistic and cruise missiles. A Patriot system comprises various components such as a radar, a fire control station, antennas and launchers for the anti-aircraft missiles.

9.45 a.m.

Assessment of the air strikes on New Year's Eve

Ukraine also attacked Russian oil facilities with drones on New Year's Eve as part of its defensive campaign. According to information from Russian telegram channels, a tank farm was hit in the Kaluga region southwest of Moscow.

In Russia’s Kaluga region, Lyudinovo an oil depot is on fire 🔥 Celebrating New Year's probably 🙃

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) 31. Dezember 2025 um 22:00

There was no official confirmation. The Ilski refinery in southern Russia was also reportedly attacked again.

🇷🇺🇺🇦 Las Fuerzas Armadas de Ucrania realizaron un ataque con drones kamikazes contra la refinería de Ilski (Krasnodar). pic.twitter.com/4fm1NW6uwv

— El Druso (@Eldruso) January 1, 2026

The Russian Ministry of Defense in Moscow announced that 168 Ukrainian combat drones had been shot down overnight. Such military figures cannot be verified. However, the high number mentioned suggests an intensive attack, which is consistent with information from Ukrainian military observers.

After midnight, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin repeatedly reported that drones had been intercepted on their approach to the Russian capital. No information was given about damage.

There was no photographic or video evidence of a report from the Russian occupation administration in the Kherson region of southern Ukraine.

At least 24 people were killed in Ukrainian drone strikes on a New Year's Eve party in the village of Khorly on the Black Sea, head of the administration Vladimir Saldo announced on Telegram.

There were also more than 25 people injured in the café. The pro-Ukrainian Telegram channel Exilenova commented that there had been similar attacks in the past when occupying soldiers gather for holidays.

Large fires are burning in Lutsk, Volyn Oblast following Geran-2 drone strikes on energy infrastructure in the city pic.twitter.com/nxxJhevTeR

— VolgaLad (@cym27s) January 1, 2026

The Ukrainian air force in Kiev reported that Russia had attacked with 205 combat drones during the night. 176 flying objects were intercepted. Nevertheless, strikes were recorded at 24 locations. According to regional reports, the Volyn region in the north-west of Ukraine was one of the areas affected.

9.26 a.m.

CIA: There was no attack on Putin's residence

At the beginning of the week, Donald Trump criticized an alleged attack by Ukraine on one of Putin's residences. Ukraine rejected Putin's accusation as an excuse to continue the war and to attack government buildings in Kiev again. Many experts doubt that the attack described by Russia actually took place.

The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed US officials, reported that the controversial Ukrainian drone attack was aimed at a military target in the same region as Putin's residence - but not near it. This is also supported by an analysis by the CIA, it said.

The broadcasters PBS and CNN reported that Trump was briefed yesterday by CIA chief John Ratcliffe on the intelligence agency's findings. On the same day, the US President then surprisingly shared a very Russia-critical article on his Truth Social platform - see mediation below.

Thursday, January 1, 9 a.m.

Trump shares article critical of Russia

In the midst of negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, US President Donald Trump has surprisingly shared an article highly critical of Russia on his Truth Social platform.

In the piece, the tabloid "New York Post" portrays Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin as the real obstacle on the path to peace and is harshly critical of him.

Among other things, it says that any attack on Putin is "more than justified". "We don't need his crocodile tears, instead the pressure should be increased". It argues that no further concessions should be made to Russia, but that tougher action is necessary. Kiev has done its part - now it is up to Putin to act.

Trump regularly disseminates articles from media close to him. In some cases, the president comments on the texts - this was not the case with this piece. In the past, Trump has repeatedly been accused of being close to Russia, partly because he has at times adopted positions close to the Kremlin

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