Tonight, Russia attacked Ukraine with almost 500 drones and 40 missiles, including Kinzhals, with Kyiv being the main target. As a result of the attack, there were hits, residential buildings were damaged, and there was no electricity and heating in some areas of the capital and the region.
France reported no direct contact between Emmanuel Macron and Vladimir Putin. Neither a phone conversation nor a visit by the French leader to Moscow is planned for now.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine reports that the Russian financial system is entering a phase of controlled chaos, losing transparency and control. Starting from 2027, Russian financial companies will publish only depersonalized data on ownership structure, and regular income declarations for civil servants will be abolished.
US President Trump stated that the fate of the peace plan for Ukraine depends solely on his decision. He noted that Zelenskyy "will have nothing until I approve it."
Ukraine's Ministry of Energy declared legally null and void the decision of Russia's "Rostekhnadzor" to issue a "license" for the operation of the occupied ZNPP power unit.
The presidents of Ukraine and the United States, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump, will meet in Florida to discuss a peace plan. Most elements of the agreement, including security guarantees, have already been agreed upon between Ukraine and the US, and the Russians have agreed that a ceasefire is needed for a referendum.
Manfred Weber, leader of the European People's Party, advocated for the deployment of European troops, including the Bundeswehr, in Ukraine under European symbols. He criticized the scenario where peace would be exclusively ensured by American troops and noted that Putin is not ready for peace.
Russia and Kazakhstan have postponed the first launch of the Soyuz-5 launch vehicle as part of the joint Baiterek space project for additional system checks. The Baiterek program is in its final stages, and the launch was delayed due to falling behind schedule and sanctions.
Former Russian Deputy Minister of Defense Yuriy Sadovenko, who headed Shoigu's apparatus until 2024, died in Russia. He died in Moscow at the age of 57 from heart disease.
Russian dictator Putin voiced a set of propaganda theses about "almost full employment," "low unemployment," and an "inevitable technological breakthrough. " These statements are intended to create an image of prosperity amid war and sanctions.
A number of US senators issued a joint statement condemning Russia's attacks on Ukrainian cities on Christmas. They emphasized that Putin rejected the Christmas truce.
In his New Year's address, Putin thanked Kim Jong Un for the participation of North Korean troops in the war against Ukraine. He emphasized strengthening ties and further cooperation between the countries.
Putin claims that Moscow is discussing joint management of the ZNPP with the United States. He also stated that the American side is interested in cryptocurrency mining at the plant and supplying electricity to the territory controlled by Ukraine.
A court in the Russian Federation found Sergei Udaltsov, leader of the Left Front movement, guilty of justifying terrorism and sentenced him to six years in prison. Udaltsov denied the charges, calling them fabricated, and announced a hunger strike.
Russians plan to create tourist sites, so-called "places of military glory," in the occupied Donbas and attract investments there for "tourism development. "
Russia criticized US actions in the Caribbean, calling the pressure on Venezuela a return to banditry. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Moscow supports Nicolas Maduro.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Heorhiy Tykhyi, stated that Putin denied Ukraine's right to exist as early as 2001. This happened 13 years before the Revolution of Dignity and 21 years before the full-scale invasion.
NATO scrambled fighter jets to intercept Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers that flew over the neutral waters of the Norwegian and Barents Seas. The flight lasted more than seven hours, and Russia called the mission routine.
The head of the German parliament's foreign policy committee, Armin Laschet, stated the need for a German-French initiative to coordinate European plans for a ceasefire in Ukraine. He emphasized that Europe must develop its own strong foreign and security policy, agreed upon with Ukraine, which could then be presented to Russia from a position of strength.
Declassified transcripts of conversations between Putin and Bush have been released, in which the Russian leader openly opposed Ukraine's accession to NATO, warning of conflict. He considered Ukraine an artificial state and its entry into the Alliance a threat to Russia.
ISW analysts believe that the Kremlin will have to compromise on its demands that are incompatible with the peace plan. Russia is not interested in a compromise-based settlement, as evidenced by its constant references to the 2024 demands.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced the full combat readiness of Estonian services to give armed resistance to any Russian provocations. Tallinn will no longer tolerate the appearance of soldiers without insignia on its territory.
In Russia, the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center predicts the end of Russia's war against Ukraine in 2026. 70% of respondents consider 2026 to be more successful, and 55% associate this with the possible end of the war.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine have regained control over most of Kupiansk, pushing the occupiers to the northeastern outskirts. Russian Z-channels report on the critical condition of their units, and the Center for Countering Disinformation confirmed the success of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
President Trump's new envoy to Greenland, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, announced his intention to initiate a dialogue with the island's residents regarding its development. This contradicts Trump's previous statements about the need for US control over Greenland.
Russia views the US 20-point peace plan as a starting point, demanding more restrictions on Ukraine's military forces and guarantees regarding NATO. Ukraine and the US have disagreements on territorial issues and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, but negotiations are nearing completion.
The US is looking for a special approach to Belarusian dictator Lukashenka in order to later test it on Putin and end the war.
The proportion of Russian citizens who consider it necessary to continue hostilities against Ukraine has decreased to 25%, which is the lowest figure since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. These are the data from the December survey by the "Levada Center", cited by the Head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council, Andriy Kovalenko.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, stated that Russia's economy allows it to produce weapons and hire mercenaries, which enables the Kremlin to continue the war. He emphasized that Putin and his elites do not see Russia's future without Ukraine.
Antony Blinken also noted that Donald Trump's approach to pressuring Ukraine is flawed.
