Month: January 2025

As of today, the transit of Russian gas through Ukrainian territory to Europe has dropped to zero. This has become one of Moscow’s biggest defeats, according to a statement from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“When (Russian President Vladimir – ed.) Putin was given power in Russia more than 25 years ago, the annual gas transit through Ukrainian territory to Europe amounted to 130+ billion cubic meters. Today, Russian gas transit is zero. This is one of Moscow’s biggest defeats,” emphasized Zelenskyy.

He explained that turning energy resources into weapons and cynically using energy blackmail against partners is what deprived Russia of its most attractive and geographically most accessible market.

The President noted that most European countries have successfully adapted to the changes associated with the energy transformation.

He stressed that the current common task is to support Moldova in this process. At the same time, he said, it is important to resist the pressure of some European politicians who, instead of transparent energy policies, continue to choose cooperation with Moscow’s mafia schemes.

“We also hope for an increase in American gas supplies to Europe, as President Trump has already mentioned. Cooperation and maximum offers from partners in the market will help make prices more comfortable,” he emphasized.

At the end of his statement, Zelenskyy summarized that the more gas there is on the market from real European partners, the sooner the last negative consequences of Europe’s energy dependence on Russia will be overcome.

Cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine

From January 1, 2025, Ukraine has stopped the transit of Russian gas to Europe, ending its contract with Gazprom.

Ukraine shut off the gas valve on January 1 at 07:00 AM Kyiv time, depriving Moscow of approximately $5-7 billion in annual revenue. This occurred immediately after the expiration of the five-year contract between Naftogaz and Gazprom.

The European Union had prepared for this scenario in advance by developing alternative supply routes and infrastructure for liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, ensuring the stability of energy supply in the region.

We have already covered how the cessation of transit will affect Europe.

Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, visited Ukrainian defenders in the Kursk direction. He awarded soldiers for their bravery and contributions to the fight against Russia, according to Syrskyi.

“During my work in the Kursk direction, I awarded our brave soldiers. The heroic actions of Ukrainian troops forced the enemy to maintain a significant force in their territory and deploy reserves from other directions,” Syrskyi emphasized.

He explained that due to the resilience and bravery of Ukrainian soldiers, the enemy losses in the Kursk direction amounted to over 38,000 personnel and more than 1,000 pieces of equipment.

“On December 30, 189 more Ukrainians returned from captivity. This is also your (referring to troops in the Kursk direction – ed.) contribution, as during operations in this direction, our exchange fund has grown by more than 700 captives,” he added.

Kursk operation

In August 2024, Ukrainian forces launched a counteroffensive operation in the Kursk region. This marked the first major offensive operation on Russian territory since the full-scale invasion began.

Ukrainian troops crossed the border near the town of Sudzha and advanced deep into the Kursk region, capturing significant territories and disorganizing Russian units.

During the early months of the operation, the Ukrainian Armed Forces inflicted heavy losses on the enemy. According to Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, over the three months of fighting, Russia’s losses amounted to about 21,000 soldiers, including over 7,000 killed and 717 captured.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine would hold the captured Russian territories until it forces Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table.

The operation also had strategic importance, compelling the Russian command to cancel plans for offensives on several Ukrainian cities.

According to the General Staff, as of the morning of January 1, Ukrainian Defense Forces have advanced near Kreminna and in the Kursk region.

Ukrainian scouts have received the latest Hazard drones. They can be stealthy to enemy electronic warfare systems, according to the Defense Intelligence (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine on Telegram.

As noted by the GUR, the unique Hazard unmanned aerial system and the HMMWV vehicle were provided to the soldiers by the Help Heroes of Ukraine American charity organization.

Photo: Ukrainian scouts received Hazard drones (t.me/DIUkraine)

Photo: Ukrainian scouts received Hazard drones (t.me/DIUkraine)

Photo: Ukrainian scouts received Hazard drones (t.me/DIUkraine)

Hazard

The GUR pointed out that the Hazard system includes:

• Ten kamikaze drones
• Launch equipment
• Control panel

According to intelligence, the drone’s design is made from composite materials, which allows it to remain invisible to enemy electronic warfare (EW) systems. Additionally, the drone operates silently, ensuring maximum stealth.

These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can cover considerable distances and can be equipped with warheads of varying power to destroy enemy targets.

Drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Drones are one of the key types of weaponry used by Ukrainian defenders in the war against Russian forces.

Ukrainian defenders are receiving assistance with drones from Western partners. Recently, it was announced that Germany will transfer mini-Taurus drones to Ukrainian defenders.

The range of these German drones is approximately 100 kilometers, and they are capable of destroying enemy armored vehicles, among other targets.

Russia has decided to attack civilians in Kyiv on New Year’s Eve. It must be brought to justice, stated Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský.

He emphasized that the New Year is a time of peace and hope, but “Russia chose violence, attacking Kyiv and claiming an innocent life”.

“So, here’s my resolution: Czech diplomacy will continue to stand firmly with Ukrainians – because peace begins with holding the aggressor accountable,” Lipavský concluded.

A strike on Kyiv

On the night of January 1, the Russian forces attacked Kyiv with the help of Shahed kamikaze drones.

According to the up-to-date information, two people were killed in the capital by drone strikes. At the same time, seven people were injured, including two pregnant women.

The head of the Office of the President of Ukraine emphasized that the Russian army used at least four Shahed drones to attack residential buildings in the center of Kyiv.

In total, Russian forces used 111 kamikaze drones to attack Ukraine on New Year’s Eve. Read more about the consequences in the material by RBC-Ukraine.