Russia's war against Ukraine

• Russian occupiers launched an attack on Ukraine overnight on January 4 using drones and missiles. Ukrainian Air Force reported that two UAVs were successfully intercepted by anti-aircraft defenses. Besides, the occupiers targeted the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions with three guided anti-aircraft missiles. Rocket attacks on the center of Kharkiv damaged infrastructure, and a kindergarten and a school in Kurakhove were destroyed.

• The death toll from the missile attack by Russians in Kyiv on December 29 has once again increased. Investigators have identified two more bodies, according to the Kyiv City Military Administration (KCMA). As of the morning of January 4, based on the investigative actions, the total number of fatalities in Kyiv from the enemy missile strike on December 29 is reported to be 32 people, with 30 people sustaining injuries.

• In Kropyvnytskyi, explosions were heard several times during the day during the air raid. During the first explosions, the occupiers attacked buildings at several enterprises belonging to local energy companies with an X-59 missile. The attack killed one power engineer and injured 8 others.

Explosions in Crimea. Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed the occupiers' command center near Sevastopol

On January 4, explosions were heard in several cities of the occupied Crimea, including Sevastopol and Yevpatoria. Eyewitnesses claim there are strikes.

According to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, on Thursday at about 15:00, a Russian invaders' command center was hit near Sevastopol.

Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk noted that the operation was carried out with the help of pilots. He also hinted that he expects the enemy propaganda to make the same epic report from Sevastopol and Yevpatoria that they recently spread during a massive attack on Ukraine - about the alleged hit on one of the headquarters where the deputy commander-in-chief and generals were located.

In the evening, explosions were heard again in different cities of Crimea. In particular, the danger was reported in Saky, Novofedorivka, and Yevpatoria.

Skynex system and more: Germany delivers new military package to Ukraine

On January 4, Germany updated the list of military aid supplied to Ukraine. Berlin has delivered a new anti-aircraft system Skynex to Kyiv, according to the German government's page.

Ukraine received a new self-propelled anti-aircraft installation, Skynex, along with ammunition.

Additionally, Berlin provided additional missiles for the Patriot air defense systems and IRIS-T SLM and ammunition for the Leorard 2A6.

Other items received by the Ukrainian Armed Forces include:

• 10 BMP Marder
• 2 TRML-4D radar systems
• 9080 155mm ammunition
• 2 WISENT mine-clearing tanks
• 1 bridge-laying tank Biber
• 3350 combat helmets
• 30 drone detection systems
• 10 ground surveillance radars GO1
• 10 Zetros trucks
• 3 HX81 8x8 tractors and trailers
• 34 other transport vehicles
• 305 MK 556 assault rifles
• 0.75 million rounds of ammunition
• 1152 winter camouflage nets

More information about the Skynex air defense system, which can destroy swarms of drones, as well as its capabilities and characteristics - in our article.

Ukraine intelligence's successful operation: Su-34 burns down at airfield in Russia

Sources in the security services told RBC-Ukraine that on the night of January 4, a Su-34 fighter-bomber burned down at the Shagol airfield in Chelyabinsk, Russia. The successful operation is attributed to Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate, according to sources in the special services.

Later, military intelligence clarified that the plane belonged to the aviation regiment of the 21st Mixed Aviation Division of the Russian Aerospace Forces. The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine also showed a video of an enemy Su-34 on fire.

A representative of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Andrii Yusov, noted during the telethon that the destruction of the Russian fighter jet at the Chelyabinsk airfield was a kind of birthday greeting to the Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, on January 4.

Polish farmers resume protest at Medyka-Shehyni checkpoint: What's happening on border

In Poland, the blockade of truck traffic near the Medyka-Shehyni checkpoint has resumed. Polish farmers restarted their protest today at 09:00, said the spokesperson of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, Andriy Demchenko in comment to RBC-Ukraine.

According to him, due to this, traffic complications are possible both leaving Poland and entering.

Russia to buy ballistic missiles from Iran, North Korea already transfers them to Russia - WSJ

Russia is reportedly planning to purchase short-range ballistic missiles from Iran, with deliveries possibly taking place as early as this spring, according to The Wall Street Journal.

One of the American officials said that the U.S. is concerned that Russian negotiations for the acquisition of short-range ballistic missiles from Iran are actively progressing.

Sources also suggest that Tehran may supply the missiles to Russia as early as this spring. However, officials do not consider the deal to be finalized.

Russia fires North Korean ballistic missiles at Ukraine, White House confirms

Russia has purchased ballistic missiles from North Korea, which have already been used to strike Ukraine, according to a briefing from White House National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby.

Kirby has stated that the range of ballistic missiles purchased by Russia from North Korea is 900 kilometers.

According to him, on December 30, 2023, at least one of the North Korean ballistic missiles was launched into Ukraine by Russian forces, and it seemed to have landed in an open field in the Zaporizhzhia region. Additionally, on January 2, Russia launched multiple North Korean ballistic missiles into Ukraine, incorporating them into its overnight aerial attack.

Stoltenberg convenes NATO-Ukraine Council meeting after Russia's attacks

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has called for a meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council, set to take place in a week, according to NATO spokesperson Dylan White.

According to White, the Ukraine-NATO Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 10, at the ambassadorial level of Alliance member countries. The meeting has been convened at Ukraine's request following recent escalated missile and drone attacks by Russia.

Slovakia to provide winter humanitarian aid to Ukraine

Slovakia has adopted a decision to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine to help survive the winter. The total amount of assistance will be 203,492 euros, according to the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Slovakia.

The humanitarian aid, weighing 21 tons, will include electric generators, heaters, clothing, and first aid kits from the Ecumenical Pastoral Service Staff reserves in the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic and the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic.

It will also consist of food products, bottled water, and clothing from the reserves of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Slovak Republic.

The aid recipients will be the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, the regional enterprise Donetskteplokomunenergo, and the city council of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region.