Russia launched a record number of drones in an overnight attack on Ukraine, targeting various regions with Iranian-designed Shahed drones. Ukraine's Air Force successfully downed eight drones, resulting in at least two deaths and six injuries. The conflict continues to impact Ukraine's infrastructure, with significant damage reported to civilian airports. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the need for more military aid from Western allies, while North Korea's Kim Jong Un pledged support for Russia. The article also mentions the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving various international actors.

Ukraine's General Staff reported that Ukrainian air defense successfully downed all 89 Shahed-type attack drones launched by Russia overnight, along with one Kh-59 missile. The Ukrainian Navy claimed an attack on a Russian weapons depot near Kursk. Russian attacks across Ukraine resulted in two deaths and nine injuries over the past day. Additionally, a Russian man was sentenced to seven years for alleged links to the Freedom of Russia Legion. The Kyiv City Military Administration reported the most extensive drone attack on Kyiv in 2024, with over 40 drones destroyed. Brian Nelson, a U.S. Treasury official, is set to join Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign. A Finnish volunteer fighter was killed in Donetsk Oblast, marking the fourth Finnish casualty in Ukraine. Russia passed a new cryptocurrency law to circumvent Western sanctions, and Belarus pardoned a German citizen sentenced to death for terrorism.

The article provides updates on various developments related to the Russia-Ukraine war, including Russian troop losses, attacks on Ukrainian regions, and international responses. Key points include Russia's increased ammunition production, the UN's stance on the Ukraine peace summit, and France's coalition to send military instructors to Ukraine. Additionally, the article reports on the U.S. considering increasing its deployment of tactical nuclear weapons and the G7's discussions on using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. Other notable updates include the Netherlands' investment in armored vehicles for Ukraine and the establishment of a Caesar howitzer production facility in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had a phone conversation about the security situation in Ukraine. Zelensky updated Trudeau on the Russian attacks during New Year's celebrations and expressed gratitude for Canada's support, including the provision of NASAMS systems and missiles. The leaders discussed initiating a bilateral dialogue on security guarantees and preparations for the upcoming Peace Formula meeting in Davos. Canada's financial and military support to Ukraine, amounting to $1.8 billion to the state budget in 2023 and nearly $2 billion in military aid since the invasion, was acknowledged. The article also mentions Russia's drone attacks on Ukraine on January 1, resulting in damage and casualties.

An investigation by the Russian media outlet Important Stories has revealed that hunting rifle scopes from Western companies are being used by Russian fighters in Ukraine. The companies involved include Leupold, Nightforce, Holosun, and Swarovski Optik. Despite the scopes being intended for hunting and sporting, they have been spotted in conflict zones. Russia imported scopes worth 16 billion rubles in 2022 and 2023. Major online sellers like Pointer and Navigator have been purchasing large quantities of these sights, which are then sold to arms companies. One such company, Tehnologiya, has ties to the former Wagner Group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin. The Western manufacturers are likely unaware of the final destination of their products, as intermediaries in China, Turkey, and Kazakhstan are used by the Russian sellers.

Andrii Yermak, head of the Presidential office in Ukraine, has stated that Ukraine will not accept a 'freezing' of the conflict with Russia, emphasizing the need for a just peace in accordance with international law and the UN Charter. Despite various opinions from countries supporting Ukraine's peace plan, Yermak clarified that Ukraine's partners are not pressuring the country to concede occupied territories. This stance is supported by Ukrainian public opinion, with a poll indicating that 74% of citizens oppose territorial concessions. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oleh Nikolenko warned that ceding land to Russia could lead to further aggression. A meeting in Davos, Switzerland, attended by 80 countries and an international organization, aimed to discuss principles for a lasting peace in Ukraine.

Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi clarified that the military had not formally requested the mobilization of 500,000 people, contradicting a statement by David Arakhamia, head of President Zelensky's Servant of the People faction in parliament. Zaluzhnyi discussed plans for conscript numbers in 2024, emphasizing the need for secrecy regarding specific figures. He commented on proposed legislative changes to the mobilization process, including the removal of the 'partially fit' category and the introduction of electronic summonses. Zaluzhnyi criticized the idea of a fixed six-month rotation for military personnel due to the unpredictable nature of the front line and the consequent need for increased ammunition. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of military enlistment offices and stressed the importance of technological advancements in the ongoing conflict, referencing his previous article in the Economist.

Russian forces attacked grain silos in Vovchansk, Kharkiv Oblast, destroying the grain, as reported by Serhii Bolvinov, a senior investigator for the Ukrainian police. The attack involved two air-dropped gliding bombs, which damaged grain storage and processing facilities, although no casualties were reported. This incident is part of a broader pattern of Russian forces targeting Ukrainian businesses, especially in the agricultural sector, contributing to a significant decline in Ukraine's GDP. Despite the damage, Ukrainian businesses are showing signs of recovery. The World Bank notes that a substantial portion of Ukrainian businesses have been affected by the conflict, with those in eastern regions like Kharkiv facing the most severe impacts.

Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has called on local authorities to increase their efforts in mobilization for national defense. During a meeting with the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, led by President Volodymyr Zelensky, Umerov emphasized the importance of preparing civilians and those liable for military service for national resistance. He discussed the recent construction of fortifications and addressed the threat of Russia creating internal conflicts within Ukraine's leadership. Umerov also mentioned plans to localize foreign arms production in Ukraine and encouraged British defense companies to collaborate with Ukrainian manufacturers. The country has allocated Hr 255 billion for military production in the upcoming year.

On December 26, Ukraine's Air Force successfully intercepted two Russian Kh-59 guided air missiles in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, as reported by the Eastern Air Command. There were no reported damages or casualties. Despite the holiday season, Russian attacks persisted, with 19 Shahed drones launched towards southern Ukraine on the night of December 25-26. Ukrainian air defense managed to shoot down 13 of these drones, but some infrastructure in Odesa Oblast and an industrial site in Mykolaiv Oblast suffered damage. Additionally, Russian forces attacked 15 locations in Kharkiv Oblast on December 26, resulting in one fatality and one injury, along with damage to residential buildings. The day before, Ukrainian forces had downed 28 out of 31 Shahed drones and two missiles. The article also includes a call for support for the Kyiv Independent, a local news source.