Ukraine returns militants from Russian captivity, US announces new aid package - Monday brief
Collage by RBC-Ukraine
Ukraine returned 189 more of its citizens from Russian captivity on December 30. The United States announced a new military aid package for Ukraine worth almost $2.5 billion.
Read more about what happened on Monday, December 30.
Russia's war against Ukraine: Latest
-
Ukrainian Defense Forces destroy Russian headquarters in Zaporizhzhia region
-
Ukrainian army chief reports record Russian losses in Donetsk region
Ukraine returns 189 citizens from Russian captivity
On Monday, December 30, Ukraine secured the return of 189 citizens from Russian captivity. These individuals include defenders from Azovstal and Mariupol, Chernobyl, Snake Island, and various frontline areas, according to the Telegram channel of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
According to him, among those returned are soldiers, sergeants, and officers. They include National Guardsmen, Azov fighters, border guards, territorial defense forces, and personnel from the Navy and Armed Forces.
US allocates $3.4 billion in budget aid to Ukraine – Treasury Secretary
The United States is transferring $3.4 billion to Ukraine. These funds are intended to support the Ukrainian budget, stated US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, according to Reuters.
Yellen emphasized that since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, the United States has provided Ukraine with just over $30 billion in budgetary assistance. Most of these funds are used to support the functioning of the Ukrainian government.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister reveals details of his visit to Damascus
During his visit to Damascus, Syria, Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, negotiated with the Syrian administration's leadership, including the country's leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and others.
However, if the new Syrian leadership respects international law, including Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty, Kyiv is ready to restore diplomatic relations, dialogue, and the operation of diplomatic missions.
"We are ready and awaiting steps from the Syrian side.
Russia claims attack on Druzhba pipeline in Bryansk region
The Druzhba oil pipeline was attacked in the village of Mamay, Bryansk region of Russia. The blow partially destroyed a technical building, according to the Russian Telegram channel Mash.
The strike was carried out at 04:30 a.m. (03:30 a.m. Kyiv time), allegedly, by a Peklo drone missile, according to the Russians.
Russian forces prepare for assault in Kherson region, expecting heavy losses – Partisans
Russian military command is preparing for assault operations in the Kherson region. At the same time, the Russian forces expect significant losses of personnel, according to the ATESH partisan movement.
"An agent of the ATESH movement from the 1218th Motor Rifle Regiment of the Russian Armed Forces reported that command is preparing for assault operations, expecting significant personnel losses," the message states.
