**Ukraine Quadruples Domestic Gas Transit Fees**
Starting January 1, Ukraine will charge its domestic customers four times more for gas transit fees. This change comes as a deal between Russia and Ukraine to transport Russian gas through Ukrainian pipes expires. The National Energy Regulatory Commission made this announcement on December 30.
The previous deal covered 85% of the income from gas transit for the operator GTS Operator, according to Dmytro Lyppa, the director of the company. However, with the tariff hike, Ukraine will not be able to cover the full loss of income from the deal’s expiry.
**Russia Responsible for Murder in Bucha**
The Ukrainian National Police have named a Russian commander responsible for the murder of Iryna Filkina, a Ukrainian woman who became a symbol of the mass murder of civilians in Bucha during Russia’s invasion. A photo of her hand with a red manicure went viral around the world.
**Ukraine’s Economy Grows**
Ukraine’s exports have grown by more than 13% over the past year, primarily due to stabilizing the functioning of Ukrainian seaports, according to Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko. This growth is expected to continue in the coming year.
**Military and Diplomatic Developments**
President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed human rights activist Olha Reshetylova as military ombudsman. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha visited Damascus on December 30, marking the first official Ukrainian delegation to Syria in years. During his visit, he held talks with Syria’s de-facto leader Ahmad Al-Sharaa.
**International Support for Ukraine**
The United States has made a $3.4 billion payment in direct budget support to Ukraine, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen announced on December 30. The US also provided a new security assistance package worth nearly $2.5 billion to Ukraine on the same day. Additionally, Ukraine received $15 billion from the US, backed by future revenues from frozen Russian assets.
**Russia’s Aggression Continues**
Russia used 43 drones against Ukraine overnight, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. The country has also suffered record losses in recent days, with over 2,010 casualties reported just over the past day.