Newsletter 05/01/2026
A daily news digest covering important war, political, economic, and cultural topics in Ukraine
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Russian attack on Kyiv region kills one, damages homes
In the Kyiv region, a multi-storey apartment building and 13 private houses were damaged as a result of a massive Russian attack. One private house was destroyed, and a man was killed.
Number of victims after night Russian attack in Kyiv rises to four, one fatality reported
Russians damage almost 30 objects in attack on Kyiv region, mainly in Fastiv district
Four districts in the Kyiv region have been affected by the Russian attack, with one person killed.
Russians attack medical facility in Obolonskyi district of Kyiv, one person killed.
As a result of the Russian attack, a four-story building of a medical facility (at the level of the second floor) was hit, which houses an inpatient department.
During the inspection of the premises, a human body was found. 25 people were evacuated, three people were injured.
Ukraine’s air defense forces down 137 out of 165 Russian drones
Ukraine’s air defense forces neutralized 137 out of the 165 drones used by Russia to attack Ukraine starting in the evening of January 4.
Power outages hit three regions due to Russian attack – Ukrenergo
As of the morning of January 5, power outages have affected consumers in the Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv regions, as well as the town of Slavutych, due to a Russian attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Maliuk steps down as head of SBU
Vasyl Maliuk announced that he is leaving the post of head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).
Zelensky appoints Khmara as acting head of Security Service of Ukraine
President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Yevhenii Khmara to temporarily perform the duties of head of the Security Service of Ukraine.
Zelensky meets former FM Kuleba to discuss further cooperation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba agreed to outline directions for further cooperation.
Zelensky appoints Kyslytsya as First Deputy Head of Presidential Office
President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Sergiy Kyslytsya as Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.
War
Drones repeatedly attack Energia defense plant in Russia’s Lipetsk region
A group of drones carried out a repeated attack late in the evening on Sunday, January 4, targeting the Energia defense plant in Russia’s Lipetsk region.
Russian attacks damage over 100 energy facilities over past week
More than 100 cases of damage to energy infrastructure facilities were recorded due to Russian attacks during the week of December 29 to January 4.
Russians install MANPADS on Shahed drones and increase their combat payload to 90 kilograms — Ignat
Russians are upgrading Shahed drones by installing MANPADS and antennas for electronic warfare countermeasures, increasing the combat payload on the drones to 90 kg. In response, Ukrainian specialists are developing their own countermeasures to neutralize the enemy.
Ukrainian air assault troops stop Russian attack along Soyuz pipeline in Kupiansk sector
In the Kupiansk sector, the 77th Separate Airmobile Naddniprianska Brigade of the 7th Rapid Response Corps of Ukraine’s Air Assault Forces thwarted an attempt by Russian forces to launch an assault using the Soyuz gas pipeline.
Zelensky: Ukraine needs air defense, interceptor drones, energy equipment daily
Following a nighttime Russian attack, President Volodymyr Zelensky reminded international partners that Ukraine needs air defense systems, funding for the production of interceptor drones, and equipment for the energy sector on a daily basis.
Zelensky discusses specific tasks and operations with SSU Major General Poklad
During a meeting with Major General Oleksandr Poklad of the Security Service of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that counterintelligence work at the Security Service of Ukraine has significantly intensified and that this area will continue to develop.
Drone operators destroy UAZ vehicle carrying Russian troops in Lyman direction
In the Lyman direction, pilots of the Signum 53 battalion of the Prince Volodymyr Monomakh Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed a UAZ vehicle carrying Russian invaders.
Russian propaganda spreads false claims about AFU allegedly preparing “terrorist attack” with chemical substances
Russian propaganda, with the aim of discrediting the Ukrainian Armed Forces, is spreading misinformation about the alleged preparation of a “Ukrainian chemical provocation.”
Ukraine’s Air Force says Russian night flights may signal preparation for new attack
The return of Russian aircraft to their bases without launching missiles is not a new enemy tactic. It cannot be ruled out that the nighttime flights of Russian aviation on January 5 were related to preparations for a massive strike on Ukraine that could take place in the near future.
Russian strike hits medical facility in Kramatorsk, one civilian injured
Russian attack on Chernihiv hits homes, causes widespread damage
Battle for Chasiv Yar continues, enemy concentrates forces under snow cover
War update: 80 clashes on front lines, fighting continues in four sectors
Ukrainian UAVs destroy key Russian radar system in Donetsk region
Fierce house-to-house fighting ongoing in Huliaipole – military spox
Politics
Witkoff, Kushner to represent U.S. at Ukraine talks in Paris
The White House has named the members of the U.S. delegation who will take part in talks on a peaceful settlement of the war in Ukraine, scheduled to take place this week in Paris.
Trump says he does not believe Ukraine attacked Putin’s residence
The US president said he does not believe that Ukraine, as Russia claims, attacked Putin’s residence.
Erdogan: Turkey ready to make Istanbul center of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia
Turkey is ready, when the right conditions are in place, to once again make Istanbul the center of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.
Estonian FM on Russian attack on Kyiv: Ukraine needs more air defense systems every day
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna condemned the Russian Federation’s latest attack on Kyiv on the night of Monday, January 5.
Geopolotics
Further weakening of Russia’s economy to force it into peace talks – Sikorski
Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin will be forced to enter peace negotiations due to the further exhaustion of the Russian economy.
Trump threatens India with higher tariffs over Russian oil purchases
The United States may raise tariffs on India if New Delhi does not comply with Washington’s demand to limit purchases of Russian oil.
Beijing calls on US not to use “China threat” as excuse to encroach on Greenland
The United States must stop using the “Chinese threat” as a pretext for pursuing its own selfish interests, in particular, establishing control over Greenland.
Economy
Zelensky appoints Freeland as adviser on economic development
President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Chrystia Freeland as a non-staff adviser to the President of Ukraine on economic development.
Since start of full-scale war, Latvia has provided Ukraine with nearly €1B in aid
Since the start of the full-scale war, Latvia has provided Ukraine with practical assistance worth almost EUR 1 billion.