Newsletter 02/01/2026
A daily news digest covering important war, political, economic, and cultural topics in Ukraine
TOP
Ballistic strike on residential building in Kharkiv: Injury toll rises to 19, people trapped under rubble
In Kharkiv, Russian forces carried out a ballistic strike on a five-story residential building in the city center, injuring 19 people.
Budanov officially appointed Head of the Presidential Office, Ivashchenko takes charge of the Defence Intelligence.
On the website of the President of Ukraine, decrees appeared announcing the dismissal of Kyrylo Budanov from the position of Head of Defence Intelligence and his appointment as Head of the Presidential Office. Oleh Ivashchenko has officially become Head of the Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence.
Zelensky announces work with brigades and military command amid changes in Defense Forces
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he would be working with brigades and military commanders to implement changes in the Armed Forces.
Oleh Ivashchenko to head Defense Intelligence of Ukraine
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine (FISU) Oleh Ivashchenko will continue serving the country in a position within the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine. The Office of the President clarified that Ivashchenko will lead the DIU.
Zelensky prepares SBI overhaul
President Volodymyr Zelensky has instructed that proposals to update the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) be prepared and promptly submitted for consideration by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
Intelligence reveals details of special operation to save life of RVC commander Kapustin
The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has released a video showing the staged “elimination” of Denys Kapustin, commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC).
Kremlin prepares large-scale provocation with human casualties on January 6-7 — intelligence
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine warns of the continuation of the Kremlin’s special operation to disrupt peace talks mediated by the United States. To this end, a provocation with human casualties may take place on January 6-7.
“This operation is complex in nature. After the so-called “attack on Putin’s residence”, we are seeing the Kremlin spreading new falsified information to prepare Russian and foreign audiences for further escalation.
We predict with high probability a transition from manipulative influence to the RF special services’ armed provocation, resulting in significant human casualties. The expected time, on the eve of or during the celebration of Christmas, according to the Julian calendar. The location of the provocation may be a religious building or other object of high symbolic significance, either in Russia or in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine,” the intelligence report says.
According to the FISU, fragments of Western-made combat UAVs will be used to fabricate evidence of Ukraine’s involvement. These will be delivered to the site of the provocation from the line of combat.
It is noted that exploiting fear and committing terrorist acts with human casualties under a “foreign flag” is entirely consistent with the working style of the Russian special services.
War
Russians strike again at TPP in Kherson
Over the first two days of the new year, more than 10 targeted strikes were launched against the Kherson Thermal Power Plant.
Source: Occupiers’ New Year’s party in Khorly was legitimate military target
The strike by the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine on a concentration of Russian invaders in Khorly, in the temporarily occupied territory of the Kherson region, which is a legitimate military target, does not violate international law and is in accordance with Ukraine’s right to armed resistance against aggression.
Unmanned systems forces strike enemy fuel base in Luhansk region and radar station in Crimea
Operators of the 1st Separate Center for Unmanned Systems of the Armed Forces of Ukraine struck a Russian fuel and lubricant storage facility in the temporarily occupied territory of Luhansk region and a radar station in Crimea.
Polish volunteer wounded on front line in Ukraine dies in hospital
Polish volunteer Kacper “Frenchman” Bass has died in a hospital in Poland from wounds he sustained in late December on the front line in Ukraine.
Ukrainian hackers attack internet provider in Crimea
Ukrainian hackers attacked the Crimean internet provider SimStar. Restoration work has been ongoing for three days.
War update: 45 clashes along frontline since dawn, fighting ongoing in five sectors
Nearly 100,000 residents of LPR left without electricity due to AFU strikes - Andryushchenko
Russian drone attacks evacuation vehicle in Kostiantynivka, several people injured
Ihnat: Ukrainian Air Force carries out about 7,000 sorties in 2025
Air Defense Forces destroy 86 of 116 drones used by Russians to attack Ukraine
Russian troops launched 30 strikes on Sumy region, causing damage
Houses and shopping center damaged in Zaporizhzhia due to drone attack
Defense
Babiš to examine situation with ammunition initiative for Ukraine
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš promises to carefully consider the ammunition initiative for Ukraine and other projects of the Ministry of Defense and plans to comment on issues related to external security on his own in the future.
Politics
Russia once again puts RVC commander Kapustin on wanted list
Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has once again placed Denis Kapustin, the founder and commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC), on its wanted list, just days after his staged “liquidation” in Ukraine.
Useful idiot or FSB agent: Stefanchuk responds to New Year’s address by Speaker of Czech Chamber of Deputies
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, responded to the New Year’s address by the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic, Tomio Okamura, and stressed that it is a striking example of ignorance, manipulation, and cynicism.
Geopolotics
Russia’s breakup real scenario – Europe must be prepared, Austrian Pan-European Movement President says
The collapse of the Russian Federation is a realistic scenario, given the colonial nature of the Russian state, and Europe needs to be prepared for it.
Russian economy slips into stagnation as GDP grows by just 0.1% in November
In November 2025, Russia’s GDP grew by only 0.1% year-on-year. This is the worst result since early 2023 and indicates that the Russian economy is entering a phase of stagnation.
Economy
Ukraine receives UAH 21.52B in medical humanitarian aid during war period – Ministry of Health
During the period of martial law, Ukraine has received 18,454 tonnes of medical humanitarian aid worth UAH 21.52 billion.
Ukraine secures record $45B in security assistance in 2025 – up nearly 30%
Ukraine managed to secure more than $45 billion in international security assistance in 2025. This is the highest figure since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The world stands in awe at the courageous and clever resistance put up by Ukraine against the terrorist regime o Russia. And when the big idiot Trump gets a brain he may decide to help rather than hinder the peace process.
Keep up your fight Ukraine. The rest of the world is behind you.