Newsletter 31/12/2024
A daily news digest covering important war, political, economic, and cultural topics in Ukraine
Iconic photos of 2024 from Ukrinform
A collection of images captured by Ukrinform's photo correspondents highlights the resilience and indomitability of Ukrainians amid the war unleashed by Russia.
These photos portray destruction and resilience, loss and triumph, heartbreak and moments of light -- showcasing life's persistence against all odds.
TOP
DIU soldiers destroyed Russian Mi-8 helicopter with Magura V5 drone
For the first time in history, soldiers of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine destroyed a Russian Mi-8 helicopter during a battle in the Black Sea using a Magura V5 maritime strike drone.
Oil depot fire, airport closure - Russia attacked by drones
Following a drone attack, Russia reported a fire at an oil depot in the Smolensk region and the closure of Vladikavkaz airport.
According to local residents, UAVs attacked an oil depot in the city of Yartsevo, Smolensk region of the Russian Federation.
The head of the district, Roman Zakharov, confirmed the information about the attack on the ‘fuel and energy complex’ and the fire. The Emergency Situations Ministry is working at the site to eliminate the consequences of the attack, he added.
At the same time, Smolensk Region Governor Vasily Anokhin reported that the wreckage of a UAV had fallen on the territory of the oil depot.
Meanwhile, in Kazan, the airport was temporarily suspended on Tuesday morning to ‘ensure the safety of civilian aircraft,’ Rosaviatsiya spokesman Artem Korenyako said.
The head of the North Ossetia region, Sergei Menyailo, also announced the downing of a UAV over the training ground and the closure of Vladikavkaz airport.
AFU General Staff confirms strike on oil depot in Russia's Smolensk region
On the night of Tuesday, December 31, special operations forces, in coordination with the drone forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other components of the Defense Forces, struck the Yartsevskaya oil depot in Russia's Smolensk region.
It is known that the depot was used, among other purposes, to supply the Russian invading army.
Further details about the results of the strike are being clarified.
Ukraine’s Ombudsman discusses meeting with Russian counterpart in Belarus
Dmytro Lubinets, the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, and Tatiana Moskalkova, the Russian Commissioner for Human Rights, met in Belarus to discuss the conditions of the prisoners of war (POWs) released on December 30.
“Together, we spoke with POWs from both sides who were returned as part of the exchange. It was crucial to hear about their conditions of detention, the availability or absence of medical care, and the visits to detention facilities by representatives of the ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross),” Ukraine’s Ombudsman emphasized.
The discussion also covered mutual visits to POWs to improve detention conditions, Russia’s creation of joint medical commissions to repatriate severely wounded and seriously ill prisoners, the return of civilian detainees, family reunifications, and the implementation of other humanitarian initiatives.
“For Ukraine, it is essential that the Geneva Conventions remain a priority and that human rights are upheld,” Lubinets stressed.
Ukrainian forces intercept one Kinzhal, five Kh-69 missiles, 16 Shahed drones
Since 20:30 on December 30, Russian forces have launched 61 drones and missiles targeting Ukraine. These included six Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles launched from the Voronezh region, one Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missile launched from a MiG-31K fighter in the Tula region, six Kh-69 guided air missiles launched from tactical aircraft in the Belgorod region, eight Kh-22 cruise missiles launched from Tu-22M3 bombers in the Tula region, and 40 Shahed strike drones and other simulator UAVs launched from Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Bryansk, and Millerovo.
Ukraine's anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare teams, and mobile fire groups successfully intercepted a Kinzhal missile, five Kh-69 guided missiles, and 16 Shahed drones. Additionally, 24 simulator drones deviated from their courses and failed to reach their targets.
Despite these defenses, Russian ballistic missiles struck the Sumy and Kyiv regions.
Russian forces strike Shostka with 13 missiles, leaving 43 buildings without heating
Russian forces have struck the city of Shostka in the Sumy region with 13 missiles, damaging three boiler rooms and leaving 43 apartment buildings in the city without heating.
War
Ukrainian forces capture village in Russia's Kursk region
"Rangers from the 6th Regiment of the Special Operations Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, following a series of offensive operations, have occupied a settlement in Russia's Kursk region. This achievement was preceded by coordinated artillery strikes. Subsequently, SOF soldiers entered the village, secured it, and conducted a thorough clearing operation as part of special activities in the area,"The SOF's press service reported this on Telegram.
Missile fragments damage 3 private buildings, 2 cars in Kyiv
A missile fragment fell in the Darnytsia district of Kyiv, damaging three private buildings and two cars.
ATESH agent conducts reconnaissance at FSB air base near Yoshkar-Ola
An ATESH agent conducted reconnaissance at the Danilovo airfield near Yoshkar-Ola in the Mari El Republic, where the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) air group is based.
Previously, the 681st Air Defense Fighter Aviation Regiment was stationed at the airfield, but it is now home to an FSB air group, according to preliminary reports.
Reconnaissance efforts revealed the presence of Mi-8 and Ka-226 multi-purpose helicopters, along with An-72, An-26, and Il-76 military transport aircraft. These assets are primarily used for transporting cargo and personnel.
Russians fired 36 times over past day at border of Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv regions
War update: 117 combat clashes on frontline, Russians attempting to break through defense
Russians attack Kherson suburb with drone, one wounded
Russians hit Nikopol district almost 20 times - high-rise buildings, infrastructure damaged
Unmanned Systems Forces destroy Russian Buk air defense system in Zaporizhzhia region
Russians preparing for assault in Kherson region – partisans
Ukraine’s government modifies border crossing rules for men aged 18 to 25
Addressing Russia’s use of fiber-optic drones key challenge – DIU chief
Over 400 children returned to Ukrainian-controlled territory in 2024
Economy
Government allocates UAH 175.5B for Medical Guarantee Program in 2025
Ukraine’s exports up by 13.4% in 2024 – economy ministry
Society
Support rally for POWs held in Zaporizhzhia
On December 31, families of prisoners of war gathered in Zaporizhzhia to hold a rally aimed at reminding society about their loved ones still held in captivity
