**Ukraine Destroys Russian Helicopter with New Drone**
Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) has destroyed a Russian helicopter using a Ukrainian-made drone for the first time. The attack took place in the Black Sea, off the coast of occupied Crimea.
The special unit Group 13 launched SeeDragon missiles from the Magura V5 naval strike drone. They downed one helicopter and hit another, which was able to fly back to its airbase. A video shows the moment the missiles locked onto the helicopter before it exploded and crashed into the sea.
**Ukraine’s New Drone Capabilities**
The Magura drone has been used by Ukraine to attack dozens of Russian ships in the Black Sea this year. It can cover a distance of over 800 kilometers, reach speeds of up to 80 km/h, and carry a 250-kilogram warhead. Each drone costs around $240,000.
**Other News**
* An oil depot in Russia’s Smolensk region caught fire after a drone attack overnight on December 31.
* NATO allies met to discuss security concerns in the Baltic Sea, following damage to undersea cables connecting Estonia and Finland.
* Ukraine will quadruple gas transit tariffs for domestic customers starting January 1, when a deal to transport Russian gas through Ukrainian pipes expires.
**Key Developments**
* Ukraine’s exports grew by over 13% last year, mainly due to stabilizing seaport operations.
* President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed a new military ombudsman, Olha Reshetylova.
* Ukraine’s Foreign Minister expressed Kyiv‘s position on Russia’s military presence in Syria during a diplomatic visit to Damascus.
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