U. S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrives in Germany for a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. The latest $500 million military aid package from the Biden administration is expected to be announced.
President of Ukraine had a conversation with Maia Sandu on energy challenges in Moldova. Ukraine is ready to provide assistance with coal to overcome the energy crisis and counter Russian pressure.
The President of Ukraine commented on Trump's statement about understanding Russia's position on Ukraine's accession to NATO. Zelenskyy emphasized that the lack of security guarantees was one of the reasons for the war.
The Ukrainian president will participate in a Ramstein meeting on January 9 to discuss strengthening air defense. The key issue will be the withdrawal of Russian aircraft from Ukrainian cities.
The Defense Ministry and the General Staff are focused on rotating front-line units instead of demobilizing them. The Verkhovna Rada summons Prime Minister Shmyhal due to the lack of a draft law on demobilization.
The Biden administration plans to announce the final package of military aid to Ukraine worth about $500 million. By the end of Biden's term, Ukraine will have received 80-90% of the promised equipment.
The President of Ukraine had a conversation with the Emir of Qatar on the return of deported children and humanitarian aid. Qatar facilitated the return of 53 children and provided them with medical assistance, and they also discussed support for Syria.
A Russian attack with guided aerial bombs in Zaporizhzhia killed 13 people and wounded 32. Twenty-eight vehicles were damaged, including a 13-year-old girl.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister commented on Trump's remarks about Ukraine's membership in NATO. Sibiga emphasized that Russia has not changed its rhetoric of surrender and ultimatums.
The Cabinet of Ministers has registered a draft law to change the grounds for early dismissal of the Head of the ARMA. Experts believe the changes are necessary but not sufficient for the agency's effective work.
Minister Sibiga met with Finnish Foreign Minister Valtonen to discuss strengthening air defense and countering Russia's hybrid threats. The parties agreed on the priorities of Finland's OSCE Chairmanship for 2025.
Financial expert Olena Sosiedka forecasts the hryvnya-dollar exchange rate at the level of 45-47 hryvnyas in 2025. The exchange rate will be affected by military actions, reduction of exports and growth of production costs.
Russian troops conducted an air strike in Zaporizhzhia, killing 13 people. Dozens of wounded were taken to hospitals, and the number of victims may increase.
The Verkhovna Rada supported in the first reading the decriminalization of the use of humanitarian aid by utility companies. The draft law will allow them to use the equipment received to provide services to the population at the established tariffs.
The iconic song “Ukrainian Salo” is 20 years old. During this time, three video clips were created, the last of which gained 7.9 million views on YouTube and used 3D XR technology.
The State Border Guard Service spoke about the implementation of the Secure Border project and strengthening the protection of the northern borders. Fortifications are being built on the border with Belarus and the video surveillance system is being expanded.
In the first week of 2025, 865 household fires occurred in Ukraine, up 32% year-on-year. The fires killed 55 people, up 41% year-on-year.
In the Army+ app, you no longer need to re-enter data to fill out reports. The update is available in version 2.1.3 and above and includes improved data protection.
Starting in 2025, Israel will introduce a mandatory ETA-IL electronic permit system for visa-free countries. Ukraine responds by imposing entry restrictions on Israeli citizens.
Ukraine has improved its position in the Henley Passport Index 2025, rising to 30th place with 148 visa-free destinations. Singapore topped the ranking with access to 195 countries, ahead of Japan and European countries.
Petro Poroshenko initiated the deprivation of former Party of Regions members of their seats in the Rada. The media reminds us that Poroshenko himself is one of the founders of the Party of Regions and has ties to pro-Russian politicians.
The Verkhovna Rada has passed in the first reading a bill to increase payments to families of fallen civilian defenders from UAH 1. 9 million to UAH 15 million. The changes apply to 124 families of those killed between February 24 and March 25, 2022.
On February 28, the deadline for reservations for all persons liable for military service expires in Ukraine. Some of the reserved employees may be mobilized to the Armed Forces, as the law does not provide for a mechanism for waiting for re-booking.
Since the beginning of the day, 111 combat engagements took place, with the most active fighting in the Pokrovske and Kurakhove sectors. The enemy made 26 attempts to attack near Pokrovske and 25 attacks in the Kurakhove sector.
The SBI detained the company commander of the 155th Brigade, who refused to comply with the order and left the place of service. The senior lieutenant also incited his subordinates to escape unarmed.
The Verkhovna Rada supported in the first reading a draft law limiting pensions for those convicted of high treason. They will receive only UAH 2361 while serving their sentence.
The French Foreign Minister announced the possibility of lifting EU sanctions on transactions with Syrian state institutions. The decision will depend on how the new leadership handles the transition of power.
Defense Minister Umerov will participate in the 25th meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense in Germany. President Zelenskyy's participation depends on the security situation.
Ukrainian troops conducted a precision strike on the headquarters of the 8th Guards Army of the Russian Federation in Khartsyzsk. The enemy used the facility to coordinate attacks on Kurakhove.
Poland's defense minister suggests that tomorrow's Ramstein meeting may be the last in the current format. Next week, the G5 will meet to discuss changes after Trump's inauguration.
