Newsletter 30/12/2024
A daily news digest covering important war, political, economic, and cultural topics in Ukraine
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Ukraine returns 189 defenders, civilians from Russian captivity
‘The return of our people from Russian captivity is always very good news for each of us. And today is one of those days: our team managed to bring 189 Ukrainians home. These are military men - defenders of Azovstal and Mariupol, Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, Zmeinyi Island, from different frontline areas. Among them are soldiers, sergeants and officers. These are National Guard members, including Azov, border guards, counter-terrorism officers, soldiers of the Navy and Armed Forces. And also two civilians who were captured in Mariupol. Each of them has family and friends waiting for them at home. And it is a joy that we managed to bring them back. Today, another 189 families are happy,’ President Volodymyr Zelensky announced this in his TelegramUkrainian forces destroy Russian headquarters in Zaporizhzhia region/Video
Aerial reconnaissance by the HUR's Active Operations Department identified the headquarters' location. Working with the Tavria Group of Forces, they carried out a precise missile strike on the target. The operation resulted in the destruction of the headquarters, with six Russian personnel eliminated and three others seriously injured.
U.S. to provide Ukraine with USD 15B secured by frozen Russian assets – PM
"The Ukrainian Ministry of Finance and the World Bank signed the corresponding agreement. This will be funding under the PEACE in Ukraine Project and part of the U.S. contribution of USD 20 billion under the G7 initiative. They will be directed to social and humanitarian spending," Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhalstated.
Biden announces USD 2.5B in security assistance for Ukraine
The aid includes an additional $1.25 billion drawdown package for the Ukrainian military, as well as a $1.22 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package.
War
Russian army seeks to expand zone of influence in Kharkiv region – Demchenko
"The enemy is working to extend its zone of influence, particularly in the Kharkiv region, where active combat operations are concentrated in two sectors -- Lyptsi and Vovchansk. While the activity of Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups has decreased compared to earlier levels, the threat persists, and attempts by enemy saboteurs to infiltrate remain ongoing," said Andrii Demchenko, spokesperson for Ukraine's State Border Guard Service.
Partisans scout Russian Black Sea Fleet's 91st shipyard in Sevastopol
Military demonstrate how ordinary drones transformed into lethal weapons/Photos
Ukrainian Navy shows how marines attack Russians in Kursk region/Video
Russia stockpiling drones, missiles for strikes – CCD
War update: 186 clashes on front lines in past day, intense fighting in Kursk and Pokrovsk sectors
Defense
Ukrainian armored vehicle Inguar-3 secures initial orders
"2024 has been a year of rigorous testing for our company. We've approached this responsibly, and overall, the vehicle has been subjected to about 10,000 kilometers of extreme testing, including combat trials with the Azov Brigade in the Serebrianskyi Forest and currently in the Sumy sector," explained the CEO and co-founder of Inguar Defense, Artem Yushchuk.
The Inguar-3 is built entirely in Ukraine from scratch, with no reliance on "civilian" chassis. This approach ensures higher localization and creates more jobs for Ukrainians, though it also makes production more complex than many competitors.
Yushchuk hopes the state will continue to support localized production that adheres to modern military standards. "Competition is fierce, even aggressive. But we have no choice but to push forward," he added.
Politics
Ukraine ready to provide more humanitarian aid to Syria – Sybiha
Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha announced that over 20 trucks carrying 500 tons of Ukrainian flour will arrive in Syria tomorrow as part of the humanitarian initiative "Grain from Ukraine." He also expressed readiness to deliver significantly more free humanitarian aid.
Sybiha highlighted the presence of Ukraine’s Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, Vitalii Koval, in the delegation, underlining Kyiv’s serious intent to deepen cooperation in the agricultural sector.
U.S. may announce $1.25B in new aid to Ukraine – AP
Fico's harsh statements towards Ukraine populism aimed at staying in power – expert
Zelensky appoints human rights defender Reshetylova as Ukraine's military ombudsman
Economy
Russia spreading fakes about Ukrainian GTS that may indicate preparation of provocations - CCD
The Kremlin's propaganda is actively throwing absurd messages into the information space that Ukraine is preparing to ‘destroy its gas transmission system’ to prevent Russian gas supplies to the EU.
Government not planning further tax increases in 2025 – finance minister
Poland explains how it can technically increase electricity supplies to Ukraine
Fact Checks
Russian propaganda spreads fake about 'casting' disabled men for military roles in New Year's show
Russian bots on social media platforms Telegram and X are distributing fabricated screenshots, allegedly from the job search site Jooble and the online marketplace OLX. The fake ads claim to recruit disabled men aged 18 and older for mass scenes in a "New Year's military-patriotic television project." The ads emphasize that a "big advantage" is given to candidates with "an injury or mutilation, not necessarily sustained during hostilities." Participants are reportedly offered UAH 4,000 per day for filming.