**Ukraine Ends Russian Gas Transit, Reducing Kremlin’s Power Over Europe**
On January 1st, Ukraine stopped allowing Russian gas to pass through its territory. This move was made by Ukrainian authorities who did not want to help finance Russia’s war efforts.
According to Andrii Sybiha, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, this decision has left the Kremlin without one of its main tools to pressure European countries. He said that “Ukraine has cut off more than just Russian gas transit. We have cut off some of Putin’s last remaining leverage over Europe, and his use of energy as a weapon.”
The halt in gas transit caused a major gas outage in Moldova’s Transnistria region, which relied on Ukrainian territory for its supplies.
**Europe Reduces Dependence on Russian Gas**
Ukraine’s decision comes at a time when European countries are already reducing their reliance on Russian gas. The war in Ukraine has led to a significant decrease in European demand for Russian energy sources.
Only two European countries, Slovakia and Hungary, still rely heavily on Russian gas supplies. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico have opposed Ukraine’s decision.
**Ukraine Continues to Fight Against Russia**
The Ukrainian military continues to fight against Russian forces. Recent strikes by the Ukrainian army have resulted in significant losses for the Russians.
A series of demonstrations by Polish farmers against Ukrainian agricultural imports has also been reported.
**Gas Prices Rise as Electricity Import Increases**
As a result of Ukraine’s decision, gas prices have risen to 51 euros per megawatt-hour, the highest since October last year. Ukraine’s electricity import has increased more than fivefold in 2024 to 4.4 million megawatt-hours.
**Russia Launches Drone Attacks**
Russia launched 72 drones against Ukraine overnight on January 2nd. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that one civilian was killed and many others were injured in a Russian attack in the town of Stepnohirsk.
The total number of casualties suffered by Russian forces just over the past day is 1,370.
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