In 2025, Russia recorded a record increase in serious crimes, linked to the return of war participants. The Kremlin is preparing for elections but fears its own "veterans" who are becoming a threat.
The Security Service of Ukraine has collected evidence of 256 Russian attacks on energy facilities, which are classified as crimes against humanity. These actions by the Kremlin are aimed at destroying the Ukrainian people.
An active cyclone from the northwest caused a deterioration in weather in the western and central regions of Ukraine, where up to 15 cm of snow fell. The main roads are passable, and more than 1000 units of equipment are working.
Starting January 1, 2026, polio vaccination in Ukraine will be carried out only with inactivated vaccine. The vaccination schedule is changing, consisting of 5 doses, and the booster shot at 14 years of age is canceled.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister has called for sanctions against Russia's "shadow" grain fleet, which has stolen over 2 million tons of Ukrainian grain. Intelligence has identified 45 vessels involved in the theft, and Ukraine has already imposed sanctions on 43 of them.
At night, the enemy attacked energy infrastructure, causing power outages in Zhytomyr and Kharkiv regions. Network restrictions are in effect in Kyiv and Kyiv region, and blackout schedules are temporarily not applied.
Expert Serhiy Shabovta believes that the SBU should investigate the actions of former Deputy Head of the State Aviation Service Ihor Zelinsky, who legalized documents of a sanctioned Russian company. This could have brought millions of dollars in revenue to the Russian Federation.
A Russian drone attacked a house in the Putyvl community of Sumy region, injuring four children aged 6 to 17. They received assistance on the spot without hospitalization.
Winter grain crops in Ukraine are dormant, which is normal. Snow cover protects crops from freezing, but in the central and southern regions, it is insufficient.
On the morning of January 15, 2026, emergency power outages were applied in Poltava, Sumy, Kyiv regions and Kyiv. NPC "Ukrenergo" gave the command to introduce emergency shutdowns.
Iran has announced the reopening of its airspace, which was closed to most flights due to threats of an attack by the United States. The ban was in effect from 1:45 AM to 4:00 AM and from 4:44 AM to 7:00 AM local time.
On January 14, 132 combat engagements were recorded, the enemy launched 63 air strikes, dropping 154 guided aerial bombs. The Armed Forces of Ukraine hit two areas of personnel concentration and six enemy artillery systems.
Donald Trump told Reuters that he was unaware of a possible trip by special envoys to Moscow.
During the night, Russia attacked Ukraine with 82 drones, including jet-powered "Shaheds". Air defense forces shot down or suppressed 61 enemy UAVs.
The head of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, has arrived in Kyiv for high-level talks. She will meet with the President of Ukraine, the Prime Minister, and the head of the NBU.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia's goals in Ukraine include Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, and Odesa regions. This expands Russia's demands even beyond the 28-point US peace plan.
The head of the Russian Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin, announced damages in Donbas and border regions of Russia amounting to over 706 billion rubles. The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine points to manipulation and Russia's attempt to bill Ukraine for the consequences of its own aggression.
The Russian advance slowed down in late December 2025 and early January 2026. This was likely due to less favorable weather conditions and the cessation of efforts to meet "arbitrary deadlines" at the end of the year.
Donald Trump stated that Ukraine, not Russia, is hindering a peace agreement. He believes that Putin is ready to conclude one, while Zelenskyy is not in a hurry.
In a private conversation with leaders of the European Parliament's political groups, EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas noted that it might be time to start drinking. According to her, this is due to current world events.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine with the Order of the "Golden Star" to four servicemen. These are soldiers Oleksandr Maretskyi, Serhiy Kotenko, junior sergeant Artem Rezonov, and senior lieutenant Oleksandr Khyzhniak.
The Ukrainian Defense Forces are holding back the advance of Russian invaders; 118 combat engagements took place over the past day. The enemy used aviation and drones, carrying out over 3,700 attacks.
British intelligence reported over 1. 2 million Russian casualties in the war against Ukraine. In 2025, Russia lost 415,000 soldiers, which is 15,000 fewer than in 2024.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy introduced a state of emergency in the energy sector on January 14 and established a headquarters in Kyiv. This signifies a threat to the energy system's operation due to electricity shortages.
President Zelenskyy instructed to increase electricity imports and declare an emergency in the energy sector. The Cabinet of Ministers will simplify the connection of backup energy equipment to the grids.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the introduction of a state of emergency in Ukraine's energy sector. A headquarters has been established in Kyiv, and the First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Energy has been appointed as the head of operations.
In Odesa region, an 11-year-old boy was swinging a dog on a leash and threw it off a slope, treating it as a game. The police filed a report against his mother for failing to fulfill her parental duties; the animal was not harmed.
In the week from January 5 to 11, 2026, 121,497 people in Ukraine fell ill with ARVI, and 360 with COVID-19. The incidence of ARVI increased by 15.2%, and COVID-19 by 29.6%.
On January 15, scheduled power outages and power limitations for industrial consumers will be applied in all regions of Ukraine. The reason is the consequences of Russian attacks on energy facilities.
Since the beginning of the day, 50 combat engagements have been recorded. Ukrainian defenders repelled 13 attacks in the Pokrovsk direction and 10 in the Kostiantynivka direction.
