Newsletter 08/01/2025
A daily news digest covering important war, political, economic, and cultural topics in Ukraine
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13 dead, 32 injured as Russia attacks industrial infrastructure in Zaporizhzhia
As per the National Police of Zaporizhzhia Region, at 15:40 on January 8, the Russian forces launched two guided bombs (FAB-500 with UMPC) targeting the regional center. The explosions occurred in crowded areas near administrative infrastructure and on a roadway.
At the moment, 13 people were killed and 32 injured as a result of a Russian attack.
General Staff confirms strike on oil depot in Russia’s Engels
The Ukrainian Defense Forces hit an oil storage facility, "Kombinat Kristal," located in Engels, Saratov region, Russia, in the early hours of Wednesday, January 8.
According to the General Staff, numerous explosions were recorded near the target, and a large-scale fire broke out. Local authorities confirmed that the strike hit an "industrial facility."
Efforts to gather further details on the combat operation's outcomes are ongoing.
The strike was carried out by units of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the AFU Unmanned Systems Forces, in cooperation with other branches of the Defense Forces.
Russians exert pressure in Chasiv Yar, Stupochky and Toretsk - AFU
Russian troops are conducting assault operations on the Toretsk and Kramatorsk directions - the defenders are taking measures to avoid a deterioration in the tactical situation
Ukrainian MFA on fifth anniversary of UIA PS752 tragedy: impunity encourages Iran's continued violations of international law
The International Coordination and Response Group for the victims of flight PS752 will take further steps in the coming months to hold Iran accountable through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
It was emphasized that five years ago, on this day, the Islamic Republic of Iran killed 176 people aboard Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) flight PS752 in Iranian airspace. Iran blatantly violated numerous norms of international law: it used weapons against a civilian aircraft in flight, failed to take all necessary measures to prevent the tragedy, and did not ensure a transparent and objective investigation or proper prosecution of those responsible.
The Ukrainian MFA expressed condolences to all relatives and friends of the victims on board PS752 and assured that it would continue its efforts to achieve justice and hold the perpetrators accountable.
The Ministry recalled that a year ago, the International Coordination and Response Group, comprising Ukraine, Canada, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, initiated proceedings in the ICAO Council against Iran for violations of the 1944 Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation.
Ukraine responds to Hungary's manipulative claims on gas prices in EU
Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has addressed Hungary's manipulative statements regarding the suspension of the gas transit agreement with Russia, claiming that this decision allegedly negatively affected prices for consumers. The Ministry described these claims as part of a politically motivated information campaign intended for domestic consumption.
The MFA stressed that the sole reason for the challenges in the European energy market has always been Russia, which has used energy as a weapon for decades blackmailing European governments and undermining energy security.
It was also pointed out that to diversify energy supply sources and enhance energy independence, all European countries have found ways to secure alternative energy supplies from the United States and the Middle East. Only two out of 27 EU countries failed to do so and are now attempting "to pass their problems with the blame on others." The Ministry added that by trying to maintain their dependence on Russia, they are also obstructing access to European energy markets from the U.S. and other partners.
War
Ukrainian scouts destroy enemy vehicles, EW equipment in Donetsk sector
Drone operators from the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine destroyed Russian vehicles and electronic warfare equipment in the Donetsk sector.
Invaders waging aggressive "war of memorials" in temporarily occupied Luhansk region
"The Russians are actively marking the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine with monuments dedicated to those who introduced the Soviet system there and destroyed everything Ukrainian. Moreover, they have created a so-called register of objects of cultural heritage of ‘federal significance,” Center for National Resistance.
It is noted that the latter aim to "perpetuate" the memory of political instructors in the Soviet army, who were responsible for implementing Stalin's misanthropic policy not only in the army, but also among the local population.
Ukrainian court to try in absentia three members of Russian puppet “LPR parliament”
The SBU has forwarded to court the indictments against three ‘lawmakers’ from the puppet ‘LPR parliament’, formed through the so-called ‘elections’ that the invaders staged in Luhansk region in September 2023.
Two of them, Oleksandr Yermolenko and Pavlo Pilavov, were members of the so-called "People's Council of the LPR" in 2018 representing the pseudo-civic movement "Peace to Luhansk Region". Currently, the former represents Russian communists and the latter is part of the United Russia party.
Both took active part in the adoption in September 2022 of the “law on referendum” and other legally void "legislation" benefiting the invasion force.
Another traitor, Hennadiy Buneiev, previously headed the "Ministry of Health of the LPR". Now he is also a "United Russia lawmaker" contributing to strengthening the influence of Putin's party in the temporarily occupied territory.
All three are charged with aiding and abetting the enemy under Article 111-1 Part 5 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, facing up to 10 years in prison if found guilty in court.
Ukrainian forces down 41 Russian drones, 22 lost from radar
General Staff reports 111 clashes on frontline since day-start, fiercest fighting near Pokrovsk, Kurakhove
Russians exert pressure in Chasiv Yar, Stupochky and Toretsk - AFU
71-year-old man killed in Kherson region by shelling of Naddnipryanske village
Ukrainian SOF repel Russian armored assault in Kursk region
The Special Operations Forces (SOF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in cooperation with other units of the Defense Forces, successfully repelled an attempt by the Russian troops to assault the Ukrainian positions in one of the settlements in Kursk region.
Politics
Defense strategy for Ukraine through 2027 to be determined at Ramstein – Pentagon
"The leaders of these coalitions will need to endorse roadmaps that articulate Ukraine's air force, armor, artillery, de-mining, drone, integrated air and missile defense, information technology and maritime security needs and objectives through 2027. These roadmaps are intended to enable donors to plan for and support Ukraine sustainably into the future," one of the defense officials explained.
U.S. to announce new military aid package for Ukraine at Ramstein meeting - AP
The Biden administration plans to announce a large-scale, final military aid package for Ukraine as part of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s visit to Germany and his participation in the Ramstein meeting.
There likely would be “more than a couple of billion dollars” remaining for the new U.S. administration led by Donald Trump to provide to Ukraine, the officials said Tuesday in briefing reporters traveling with Austin.
Zelensky on EU accession: 2025 should be as productive in negotiations as Ukraine needs it to be
“A lot of meetings were held today. The Ministry of Defense and the General Staff – all available packages, as well as our needs. We are thoroughly preparing for Ramstein. The report from the Foreign Intelligence Service – a lot of issues, our prospects. Today, we also discussed some details of our engagement with the European Union – regarding the negotiation process. The Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Government officials, and the Office team were present. This year should be as productive in Ukraine's EU accession negotiations as required to meet Ukraine's needs and, therefore, strengthen the security of all Europe,” said President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky.
Resolution recognizing Russia's actions against Ukraine as genocide tabled in U.S. Congress
Germany to keep arms flowing into Ukraine under existing commitments – MoD
Upcoming UDCG meeting may become last - Polish Defense Minister
OSCE must remain platform for holding Russia accountable – Ukraine’s FM