Japan plans to join NATO's PURL mechanism to purchase American weapons for Ukraine. Tokyo will finance non-lethal equipment such as radar systems and body armor.
The European Union is preparing for a week of intense diplomatic meetings, including a meeting of defense ministers, an economic summit, and the Munich Security Conference. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to attend the Munich Conference.
Last month, Kyiv's Air Force lacked interceptor missiles for Patriot systems, their launchers stood empty. This allowed ballistic missiles to freely shell power plants.
President Zelenskyy stated that Russia continues to choose strikes instead of diplomacy, attacking Ukraine's energy infrastructure. More than 400 drones and 40 missiles damaged facilities in Volyn, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, and Rivne regions.
President Zelenskyy announced a record Russian missile attack using ballistic missiles. He discussed with NATO Secretary General Rutte the need for prompt delivery of missiles for Patriot systems.
The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group and F-35 fighters have arrived in the Middle East. The US is deploying additional air defense assets to protect allies and American troops.
Ukrainian Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov met with NATO representatives to discuss defense assistance. Key cooperation priorities include strengthening air defense, developing Patriot, F-16s, and HIMARS, as well as joint work on technological superiority.
Ukraine and the Netherlands have agreed to localize the production of IRIS radars and supply Ruta missiles with a range of 450 km. This cooperation will strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities and allow for more effective destruction of military targets.
Rob Jetten, the prospective Prime Minister of the Netherlands, has announced a refusal to negotiate with Moscow and continued support for Ukraine. The new Dutch government has committed to providing annual military aid to Ukraine and supporting its path to EU and NATO membership.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The discussion focused on further cooperation and joint work between the states and partners in Europe next week.
US President Donald Trump is considering a new large-scale strike on Iran. This comes after talks on its nuclear program and ballistic missiles yielded no results.
Ukrainian air defense uses a variety of systems to protect against Russian aerial targets. Air defense systems are classified by range and type, including Buk SAMs, NASAMS, Patriot, as well as mobile fire groups and aviation.
France opposes simplifying rules for Ukraine to purchase British Storm Shadow missiles, insisting on using EU funds exclusively within the bloc. Paris seeks EU strategic autonomy, which causes internal contradictions.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that Berlin cannot supply Ukraine with additional Patriot air defense systems from its own stocks. Germany has already transferred more than a third of its own Patriot capabilities and is awaiting replacement of the transferred systems.
President Zelenskyy reacted to another Russian attack with over 370 drones and 21 missiles. He emphasized that there can be no delay in air defense supplies.
President Zelenskyy announced 35,000 Russian losses in December and discussed the front-line situation with the Minister of Defense. Personnel issues in the Air Force and accelerating Patriot missile deliveries were also addressed.
Mykhailo Fedorov met with Julie Davis, discussing cooperation in air defense and drones. The Minister of Defense thanked the US for its support and emphasized the importance of the PURL and JUMPSTART initiatives.
The meeting with Trump in Davos discussed strengthening Ukrainian air defense and additional PAC-3 missiles. Security guarantees have been finalized and are awaiting signing.
Mykhailo Fedorov discussed cooperation within PURL and the development of NASAMS air defense systems with his Norwegian counterpart Tore Sandvik. Norway will provide Ukraine with security assistance worth $7 billion and make the largest contribution to strengthening air defense.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has not reduced the number of missiles for air defense, but Russia has increased the number of missiles and "Shaheds" during attacks. He noted that Ukraine will eventually cope with the "Shaheds," but assistance from the United States is needed to combat ballistic missiles.
President Zelenskyy received reports from negotiators after meetings in the US and Davos. Ukraine is ready to sign documents on security guarantees and reconstruction, particularly with America.
President Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine had received the necessary missiles a day before the Russian attack involving over 300 drones, ballistic and cruise missiles, which significantly aided air defense. He emphasized the importance of continuous missile supplies for air defense systems and urged Ukrainian officials to remain in the country.
President Zelenskyy expects that the energy "Ramstein" will become a platform for agreements on the continued transfer of air defense systems and missiles to Ukraine. He emphasized the need for constant supplies to protect energy infrastructure.
President Zelenskyy stated that until the morning of January 16, Ukraine did not have missiles for some Western air defense systems. Today, Ukraine received a "serious" aid package, which includes missiles for various systems.
Almost all substations in Ukraine are equipped with second-level protection, which can withstand up to 20 hits from "Shaheds" and missiles. The cost of such protection is less than the price of one Patriot missile.
Russia is intensifying attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Odesa, and Dnipro, to disable heating and electricity supply systems. The goal of these actions is to undermine the morale of the population and force Ukraine to make concessions in peace negotiations.
President Zelenskyy initiates discussions on a free trade agreement between Ukraine and the US with zero tariffs. He also proposes special economic zones and a buffer zone along the contact line.
Ukraine warned Poland about the threat of using the Oreshnik missile against the Lviv region. Poland put its air defense systems, including a Patriot battery, on high alert.
From January 1, 2026, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine will begin a new stage of defense procurement reform, where all procurements for the Defense Forces will be carried out by a single Defense Procurement Agency. This reform, which has been ongoing since 2023, has already shown effectiveness thanks to digitalization and the DOT-Chain system.
Ukraine has strengthened its air defense by receiving two more Patriot systems thanks to agreements with Germany. These systems are capable of destroying aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, including hypersonic ones, at a distance of up to 160 km and an altitude of up to 24 km.
