Exclusives
ISW: Four reasons why there is no alternative to the total liberation of Ukraine. Anything short of restoration of Ukraine’s 1991 borders will be economically unliftable for Ukraine and the West |
Military
Zelenskyy: Russia has launched at least 500 missiles, drones at Ukraine over past five days. In a phone call, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak discussed enhancing Ukraine’s air defense and long-range military capabilities.
Ukraine intercepts a record 10 Kinzhal missiles in massive Russian strike. Ukraine intercepted 72 targets, including all aeroballistic Kinzhals. Kyiv and Kharkiv were in the crosshairs
Intelligence and technology
Bundestag Defense Committee chief urges Germany to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine. Senior German MP demands Taurus missiles and expedited F-16 deliveries blasts slow repairs of German-supplied tanks damaged in Ukraine, to counter Russian aggression.
International
Three more Nepalese mercenaries killed fighting for Russia against Ukraine. Nepal reports an additional 3 fatalities among the estimated 200 Nepali nationals fighting for Russia against Ukraine, confirming a total of 10 such citizens killed to date.
Türkiye blocks UK minehunters for Ukraine, citing 1936 Montreux pact. Citing an international pact, NATO member Türkiye has blocked the passage of two British Royal Navy minesweepers through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits en route to Ukraine for its war operations against Russia.
Poland scrambles F-16 fighter jets during massive Russian missile strike on Ukraine. Poland mobilized the warplanes after Russia’s previous attack, which saw a missile entering Polish airspace
Ukraine’s foreign minister expects five steps from partners after Russia’s missile strike. The immediate deployment of air defense systems, combat drones, and long-range missiles are a few ways Ukraine’s partners can help
Humanitarian and social impact
Ukraine repatriates another teenager illegally deported to Russia. 17-year-old Oleksandr illegally displaced from Russian-occupied Mariupol to Moscow region in April 2022, recently returned home thanks to civil society and government efforts.
Death toll from Russia’s late December missile strike on Kyiv rises to 29. Kyiv City authorities have reported the discovery of another civilian’s body, bringing the total death toll from the Russian missile attack on Kyiv on December 29 to 29 victims. The body was found on 1 January.
Political and legal developments
West must get serious and act now: leaders on Russia’s missile strike. Politicians and ambassadors have underscored their solidarity with Ukraine in the wake of Russia’s major missile attack
New developments
The Times: Europe steps up plans to independently arm Ukraine if Trump wins in 2024. Concerned over waning US support for Ukraine if Trump returns to power in 2024, European countries like Britain work urgently to build capacity to independently sustain Ukraine’s defense against Russia. according to The Times sources.
Russian losses
As of 02 Jan 2024, the approximate losses of weapons and military equipment of the Russian Armed Forces from the beginning of the invasion to the present day:
- Personnel: 360820 (+810)
- Tanks: 5990 (+7)
- APV: 11100 (+13)
- Artillery systems: 8531 (+49)
- MLRS: 945 (+2)
- Anti-aircraft systems: 626 (+1)
- Aircraft: 329
- Helicopters: 324
- UAV: 6710 (+53)
- Cruise missiles: 1710 (+1)
- Warships/boats: 23
- Submarines: 1
- Vehicles and fuel tanks: 11365 (+35)
Read the daily review for Mon 1 January 2024 here