Newsletter 01/01/2025
A daily news digest covering important war, political, economic, and cultural topics in Ukraine
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One person killed, seven injured in Russian attack on Kyiv
Debris from downed Russian drones damaged 17 buildings in Kyiv's Pecherskyi district, including office buildings, the National Bank of Ukraine, an educational institution, and several residential buildings. Over 250 apartments were affected by the attack.
As a result, one person was killed, and seven others were injured.
At least four Shahed strike drones attacked buildings in central Kyiv on Wednesday, January 1.
Gazprom reduces gas supplies to EU via Ukraine
Russia's Gazprom announced on Tuesday that it is reducing natural gas supplies to Europe through Ukraine as the current transit contract approaches its expiration.
Gazprom stated it would deliver 37.2 million cubic meters of gas via Ukraine on December 31, down from 42.4 million cubic meters on December 30.
Ukraine halts Russian gas transit at 7:00, Jan 1, for national security reasons
On January 1 at 7:00, Ukraine ceased the transportation of Russian natural gas through its territory in the interests of national security.
“We have stopped the transit of Russian gas, marking a historic event. Russia is losing markets and will face financial losses. Europe has already decided to abandon Russian gas. The European initiative Repower EU aligns with what Ukraine has accomplished today”, - the Ministry of Energy has confirmed the decision.
Starting January 1, 2025, Ukraine’s gas transmission system is operating without Russian gas transit. The infrastructure has been preemptively prepared to function under zero-transit conditions while ensuring reliable gas supply to Ukrainian consumers, according to the Ministry of Energy.
EU prepared for cessation of Russian gas transit via Ukraine from January 1 - European Commission
The European Union has been preparing its energy infrastructure for the possible cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine, so the halt once the contract between Ukraine and Russia's Gazprom expires on January 1 will not affect the EU's energy security.
War
Ukrainian hackers target Russia's Lukoil
Between December 30, 2024, and January 1, 2025, specialists from the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate launched a cyberattack on the digital resources of Lukoil, a Russian oil company supplying fuel to Russian troops.
Russia reports loss of two helicopters with crews over Black Sea
Russia announced the loss of two helicopters, along with their crews, over the Black Sea on December 31, 2024.
"Russian Z-rats report the destruction of two helicopters with their crews over the Black Sea. Previously, [Ukraine's military intelligence agency] HUR confirmed the downing of only one helicopter by an unmanned naval drone," the report said.
War update: 101 clashes on front lines since day-start, fierce fighting in Kurakhove sector
Ukraine’s forces down 63 Russian drones overnight, 46 lost from radar
Russians attack Nikopol district overnight with MLRS, artillery, drones
Politics
Ukraine becomes ICC member state
On January 1, 2025, Ukraine became the 125th state to join the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and, starting that date, will have the same rights as other member states, meaning it will be a full member of the ICC, including the ability to participate in elections, propose amendments, and more.
PM Shmyhal reports record balance of treasury, foreign currency accounts
Finland assumes the OSCE Chairmanship for a year from January 1, 2025.
Sikorski: Ukraine doesn’t allow Putin to blackmail Europe with gas
UN Security Council renewed by third
The composition of the UN Security Council was renewed by one third from January 1 as Denmark and Greece (Western Europe), Pakistan (Asia), Panama (Latin America and the Caribbean) and Somalia (Africa) joined the Council as non-permanent members.
Economy
Program of Medical Guarantees for 2025 launched in Ukraine
Over 175.5 billion UAH has been allocated for the program, marking an increase of 16 billion UAH from 2024.
The program includes 44 medical service packages, introducing new services such as psychosocial and psychiatric care provided through mental health centers and multidisciplinary mobile teams.
Over 25 billion UAH has been allocated for primary healthcare, with the basic capitation rate set at 844.4 UAH (up from 786.65 UAH in 2024). In 2025, the primary healthcare package will also include mental health support services at the primary care level. According to the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU), mental health services will be provided by all primary healthcare facilities that have contracted with the NHSU.