**Russia’s Attacks on Ukraine: Heavy Use of Foreign-Made Components**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed that hundreds of drones, missiles, and guided aerial bombs used by Russia to attack Ukraine this week contained more than 50,000 foreign components.
**Attacks Cause Widespread Destruction and Casualties**
In the first days of 2025, Russia carried out a series of attacks against Ukraine, causing destruction of residential buildings and infrastructure, as well as civilian casualties. President Zelensky stated that Russian troops launched over 630 attack drones, around 740 guided aerial bombs, and nearly 50 missiles targeting settlements across Ukraine.
**Ukraine Responds to Attacks**
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that it shot down 61 drones, including Shahed-type ones, launched by Russia overnight. Another 42 drones were “lost.” This number includes 1,730 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day.
**Russia’s Military Efforts**
Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that a total of 49% of targets were struck by kamikaze drones. Ukrainian troops attacked Russian forces in several directions in Kursk Oblast. Reports also emerged that a new Kyiv offensive is underway.
**International Reactions**
Georgian citizens are being urged to participate in a nationwide strike on January 15 to demand the release of detained protestors and call for new elections. German defense spokesperson Roderich Kiesewetter hinted at Chancellor Scholz’s possible visit to Moscow before February 23. The Migration Department of Georgia initiated expulsion proceedings against 25 foreign nationals.
**Ukraine’s Counter-Offensives**
The Ukrainian Kraken unit killed Sergei Melnikov, chief of staff of Russia’s Storm Ossetia battalion, and his driver in the occupied part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast. President Zelensky stated that Russian forces also strike settlements close to the front line with guided aerial bombs every day.
**International Support**
Slovakia’s transmission system operator SEPS will continue supplying electricity to Ukraine as part of an emergency assistance contract.