Ukraine

An employee of the Mykolaiv TCC was detained for organizing a scheme to avoid mobilization for 4-5 thousand dollars. The suspect faces up to 8 years in prison, and other participants are being investigated.

1,319 Ukrainians applied to the Armed Forces recruitment centers last week, which is twice as many as in the previous period. Since the start of the centers' work, 34,055 people have received counseling, of whom 7,550 have become candidates for the Defense Forces.

The German police have launched an investigation into possible Russian espionage after detecting drones over military facilities in Bavaria. The incidents were recorded in Manching and Neuburg an der Donau.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius handed over the first RCH 155 wheeled howitzer to the Ambassador of Ukraine. By the end of the year, Ukraine will receive 5 more such systems, and a total of 54 howitzers are planned to be delivered.

The Flixbus bus overturned on the A11 motorway near the German-Polish border, two people were killed. Among the victims are citizens of Ukraine and Germany, four people suffered serious injuries.

The Swedish Armed Forces and Saab have developed a technology for autonomous swarms of drones of various sizes. The technology will be tested during the Arctic Strike exercise, and is designed for reconnaissance and object identification.

The head of the State Service for Ethnic Policy explained the essence of the new law banning religious organizations affiliated with the Russian Federation. The law does not ban the UOC, but requires it to sever ties with the ROC within 9 months.

The War & Sanctions portal has a new section with information on 79 Russian UAV manufacturers. The database contains data on enterprises that produce "Shaheds", "Lancets" and other drones for the war against Ukraine.

The European Commission has announced a new humanitarian aid package of 148 million euros. 140 million will go to Ukraine for emergency aid, and 8 million to Moldova to support Ukrainian refugees.

In the occupied territories, the occupiers killed more than 40 clergymen of various denominations, including 14 of the UOC-MP. The occupiers also destroyed about 200 churches in the occupied territories.

First Deputy Speaker Kornienko said that journalists will be able to have full access to parliamentary sessions after the security situation improves. Currently, access is limited to 30 people in the press center.

In December, Russia launched 600 fewer drones in Ukraine than in November. According to British intelligence, this is the first reduction in attacks since March-April 2024.

Prices for high-quality apples in Ukraine have increased by 13% over the week and reached 25-32 UAH/kg. Limited supply and increased demand have led to the highest fruit prices in the last 8 years.

A 27-year-old woman who collected GPS coordinates of government institutions for the attack of Russian kamikaze drones on January 1 has been detained in Kyiv. The agent also tracked the positions of air defense systems and transmitted the data through a messenger to a curator from the Russian Federation.

Over 5 years, more than 20 MPs have missed more than half of the votes in the Verkhovna Rada. Fedir Khrystenko has not appeared in the parliament for almost 3 years, and 11 MPs are wanted.

A representative of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine confirmed the capture of North Korean soldiers. Experts are working with the prisoners and plan to use this incident in the interests of Ukraine.

Due to lower temperatures, electricity consumption increased by 7. 6% compared to the previous business day. Emergency blackouts are introduced in Zhytomyr region following a nighttime drone attack.

The government has allocated 5 billion UAH from the reserve fund for the "Winter eSupport" program. The payment mechanism for people over 60 and persons with disabilities through Ukrposhta has also been improved.

Tankers carrying 2 million barrels of Russian oil changed course and stopped off the coast of China after US sanctions. Shandong Port Group banned the sanctioned tankers from entering ports.

In Brovary, 4 private houses, a dormitory, and 4 cars were damaged as a result of the falling debris from downed drones. According to the mayor, there were no casualties, and a commission is establishing the extent of the damage.

Ukrainians can vote for the last finalist of the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 via the Diia app. The voting will last until 10:00 on January 17, with 10 performers to choose from.

The UN Security Council will hold a meeting in the "Arria" format. The meeting was initiated by Ukraine, which seeks to protect the rights of prisoners of war and secure their release.

The President outlined the priorities for Ukrainian diplomats in 2025. These include strengthening military support, integration into the EU and NATO, sanctions against Russia, and the launch of the e-Consul.

Metapneumovirus is most dangerous for newborns and the elderly.

Europe will need 10% more LNG in 2024 to make up for the shortfall after transit through Ukraine is halted. The situation may lead to price competition with Asian countries for gas supplies.

The US Secretary of State announced that the strongest positions in foreign policy will be handed over to the future Trump administration. The United States has already provided $102 billion in aid to Ukraine, and its allies have provided $158 billion in aid.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported an attack by 9 drones on the Russkaya compressor station in Krasnodar Krai. According to them, the station suffered minor damage, but gas supply continues as usual.

Lithuania is preparing to transfer 4,500 drones to Ukraine for a total cost of 5 million euros. The government has also simplified the procedure for transferring military aid to speed up support.

The State Border Guard Service and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine are closely monitoring military exercises in Belarus near the Ukrainian border. The exercises will take place from January 8 to 31 in the Gomel district with the involvement of territorial troops.

Russia attacked Ukraine with 110 drones from different directions. Defense forces destroyed 78 attack drones and recorded damage to infrastructure in several regions.