Russia launched 10 Kinzhals at Kyiv and explosions in Belgorod again - Tuesday brief
Photo: Collage by RBC-Ukraine
Yesterday, January 2, Russians shelled Ukrainian cities throughout the day. In particular, Kyiv and Kharkiv came under attack. However, it was also explosions in the Russian city of Belgorod during the day.
RBC-Ukraine compiled the main news for January 3.
Massive Russian attack on Ukraine on January 2
On January 2, the Russian occupiers attacked Ukraine with Shahed missiles and kamikaze drones. The main target of the attack was Kyiv. The enemy launched a large number of cruise missiles at the capital, as well as 10 hypersonic Kinzhal missiles.
Despite such effective air defense, there were casualties in Kyiv and a number of regions. In particular, dozens of civilians were injured in the capital by falling debris.
According to rescuers, the total number of people injured in the shelling of Ukraine is over 120.
More details on the aftermath of the strike - in RBC-Ukraine's report.
Explosions heard in Russian Belgorod, video
In the evening, powerful explosions were heard in the Russian city of Belgorod. The city has declared an air alarm, according to local Telegram channels.
The governor of the Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, states that the city has activated the missile danger sirens.
Gladkov states that the Russian air defense system worked over Belgorod and its vicinity.
According to him, they allegedly downed 9 aerial targets in the region.
Earlier, Belgorod was unsettled. Residents reported powerful explosions.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defense of the aggressor country claimed the supposed downing of Ukrainian missiles Vilha in the region's skies.
Powerful earthquake hits Japan: Over 50 dead
In Japan, 57 people have died due to powerful earthquakes, and buildings in several populated areas of the country have been severely damaged, reports Kyodo.
As the publication notes, today, on January 2, rescuers tried to find the victims under the rubble of buildings after the earthquakes. However, the full extent of the destruction remains unknown, and debris and damaged roads hinder the delivery of aid and rescue operations.
According to the Ishikawa prefecture, among the 57 victims are 24 people in the city of Wajima, 20 in the city of Suzu, and five in the city of Nanao.
It was reported that the Japan Meteorological Agency has counted over 100 earthquakes ranging from magnitude 2.9 to 7.6 on the Richter scale on the island.
Zelenskyy on mobilization, Putin and battle for Crimea in interview with The Economist
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy considers Russian dictator Vladimir Putin an animal and sees no prerequisites for peace talks. In his opinion, the battle for Crimea will be central to the current war, and there is no alternative to increased mobilization.
Zelenskyy about the negotiations with Russia, the support of Allies, and the immediate task of the Ukrainian army in 2024 - in the material by RBC-Ukraine.
Five new countries officially join BRICS
Five new countries have officially joined and become full members of the intergovernmental association known as BRICS, according to Al Arabiya and Africanews.
It is noted that the Kingdom has officially commenced its membership in the BRICS bloc.
In August, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Faisal ibn Farhan Al Saud, stated that the Kingdom was studying the details for joining, with a proposed entry date of January 1, and would make an "appropriate decision."
Prince Faisal bin Farhan stated that BRICS is a "beneficial and important channel" to strengthen economic cooperation.
It is noted that Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, and the UAE have also joined BRICS.
After aircraft shoot-downs, Russia halts grain corridor attacks for week, Armed Forces state.
Russians did not shell the Black Sea grain corridors once during the week. This occurred after the Ukrainian military destroyed three Russian fighter jets over the Black and Azov Seas on December 24, says Natalia Humeniuk, Head of the United Coordinating Press Center of Security and Defense Forces of the South of Ukraine.
"As of today, for almost a week, we practically haven't observed such flights involving the launch of guided air bombs. A week is certain, maybe the dates will be more precise; we'll look into that in our analysis," says the spokesperson for the Operational Command South.
Humeniuk has noted that it's currently difficult for enemy aircraft to fly too far from Russian shores due to the increased risk of being shot down.
Finland changes visa requirements
Finland has increased the daily financial requirement for travelers to €50 per day of travel. The country has also introduced obligations regarding the support of the Schengen visa zone regarding maintenance and accommodation, reports the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland.
The strengthened visa requirements came into effect in January of this year.
According to the Finnish Foreign Ministry's statement, for short-term stays, a traveler must now have €50 per day spent in Finland, instead of the previous €30.
Additionally, starting from January 1, the country will apply Article 14.4 of the Visa Code of the European Union, which allows for obligations regarding maintenance and accommodation.
The Finnish Ministry also added that the person inviting the traveler must "fill in a proof of sponsorship form to be attached to the visa application."
