Newsletter 29/01/2026
A daily news digest covering important war, political, economic, and cultural topics in Ukraine
TOP
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, SpaceX addressing issue of Starlink use on Russian UAVs – Fedorov
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, together with SpaceX, is already working to resolve the issue of Starlink being used on Russian unmanned aerial vehicles.
1,000 bodies returned to Ukraine, Russia claims they belong to Ukrainian military personnel
As part of repatriation efforts, 1,000 bodies (remains) of the deceased have been returned to Ukraine, which, according to the Russian side, belong to Ukrainian defenders.
EU provides additional 500 generators, EUR 50M for Ukraine’s energy support
The European Union is providing Ukraine with an additional 500 generators and EUR 50 million, and is establishing a task force to coordinate energy assistance.
Trump says Putin agreed not to fire on Kyiv and other cities for a week
U.S. President Donald Trump has said that Russian leader Vladimir Putin had agreed not to carry out strikes on Ukrainian cities for a week during a period of extreme cold.
EU sanctions six more Russian propagandists
The Council of the European Union has decided to impose restrictive measures on six additional individuals in response to Russia’s continued hybrid activities against the European Union, its member states, and partners.
War
Defense Forces strike radar station, drone control centers, and Russian ammunition depot
The Ukrainian Defense Forces struck the Russian 1L119 Nebo-SVU radar station, several enemy UAV control points, and an ammunition depot.
Frontline sees sharp rise in Russian assaults: 180 clashes since morning
Defense Forces repel assault on Kruhlyk Island in Prydniprovske sector
Drone operators destroy car carrying Russians trying to break through to Myrnohrad center
In Kharkiv region, Ukrainian troops clear settlements after enemy assaults, says Demchenko
Shellings
Russian army shells communications, energy, and transport facilities in Chernihiv region
Russians attack five communities in Sumy region in 24 hours, causing damage
Three killed, one injured in Russian drone strike on Vilniansk in Zaporizhzhia region
Politics
“We are winning time for you”: Ukraine’s FM urges EU to step up pressure on Russia
Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha has named key mechanisms for putting pressure on Russia – blocking the so-called “shadow fleet” and adopting a strong 20th sanctions package that would include restrictions against Russia’s defense industry and oil and gas sector.
Geopolotics
EU approves new sanctions against Iran over repression, support for Russia’s war against Ukraine
On Thursday, January 29, the Council of the European Union decided to impose new restrictive measures linked to serious human rights violations in Iran and Iran’s continued military support for Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Economy
European Commission announces €153M in humanitarian aid for Ukraine and Moldova
The European Commission has announced the allocation of €153 million in emergency assistance for Ukraine and Moldova, which is hosting Ukrainian refugees.
Energy
Kyiv region receives first batch of generators from Poland
The Kyiv region has received a batch of assistance from Poland, including 35 generators of various capacities and 18 oil-filled heaters. This is part of a large-scale support program. In total, 379 generators are to be delivered to the region by the end of January.
Ukraine receives first batch of energy equipment from Germany
Ukraine has received the first batch of energy equipment from Germany as part of a winter emergency support package.
EU mobilizes additional €50M for Ukraine’s winter energy aid
The European Commission, together with the European Investment Bank, has today provided an additional €50 million to Naftogaz of Ukraine.