**Ukraine Continues to Counter Russian Advances**
The Ukrainian military has been actively countering Russia’s advances in eastern Ukraine. According to a source from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Ukrainian drones have “overloaded” Russian air defenses, with a Neptune missile hitting a site shortly after. This successful attack is part of a broader campaign to weaken Russia’s ability to coordinate military operations against Ukraine.
**Russian Forces Suffer Heavy Losses**
Russian forces are continuing to push forward on several axes in eastern Ukraine, including Lyman, Siversk, and Kramatorsk. However, Ukrainian forces have been killing 45 Russian troops and injuring 53 others. The Ukrainian General Staff has also reported that Russia is experiencing logistical difficulties due to the destruction of a major depot.
**Ukraine Hits Russian Gas Condensate Tanks**
A video shared by the Kyiv Independent shows one of Ukraine’s drones hitting gas condensate tanks in eastern Ukraine. Three other tanks suffered damage from explosive debris.
**Belarus Refuses to Apologize for Supporting Russia**
The Belarusian government has refused to apologize for its support of Russia, saying that it “has nothing to apologize for.”
**Ukraine Hits Russian Military Facility**
A 14-year-old boy disguised as a Ukrainian soldier was sent to plant explosives at a Russian military facility in December. However, the plot was foiled when the boy’s actions were discovered.
**Germany Provides Funding for Ukraine’s Defense Production**
Germany has provided funding for Ukraine’s defense production through a partnership known as the Danish model. This program allows Kyiv to secure funding from allies specifically for its defense production.
**Russian Vessels Arrive in Syrian Port**
Several Russian vessels, including large landing ships and a tanker, are scheduled to arrive in the Syrian port on January 5.
**Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service Reports Decline in Prison Population**
The Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service has reported that the number of prisoners in Russian colonies and prisons has declined significantly over the past decade. There were approximately 300,000-350,000 prisoners in Russia in 2024, compared to around 600,000 in 2014.
**Russian Attacks Kill Two People, Injure 13 Others**
Regional authorities have reported that two people were killed and at least 13 others injured by Russian attacks over the past day.