Ukraine's intelligence attack on Oryol and U.S. and allies' secret meeting with Ukraine - Tuesday brief

Russia's war against Ukraine

• Russia-Ukraine war: Frontline update as of January 9;

• Supply of air defense systems is crucial for Ukraine: ISW experts cited reasons;

• NYT about problems with supplying Patriot missiles for Ukraine: Air Force commentary;

• UK Intelligence assesses damages from strikes on Crimean airfields.

U.S. and allies hold secret meeting with Ukraine on peace plan, Bloomberg

Last month, a secret meeting took place between Ukraine, G7 countries, and a small group of Global South states to seek support for Ukrainian conditions for engaging in peaceful negotiations with Russia, according to Bloomberg.

The previously undisclosed national security advisers meeting occurred on December 16 in Saudi Arabia. It followed larger and more publicized gatherings aimed at resisting Russia's attempts to portray Ukraine and its allies as unwilling to negotiate an end to the war.

The secrecy was intended to make the participating countries feel more comfortable during the meeting. According to sources, the smaller format allowed for a more open discussion of the Ukrainian peace formula, plans for advancing the process, and principles for potential future interaction with Russia.

Attack on oil depot and energy facility in Oryol, Russia, organized by Ukraine's intelligence

Russia is once again complaining about drone attacks. This time, the drones allegedly hit an oil depot in Oryol and Oryolenergo.

Telegram channels specified that one of the drones hit a fuel tank within the oil depot.

The attack on the oil depot and energy facility in the Russian city of Oryol was a special operation carried out by the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, according to a source in Ukrainian intelligence.

In addition, it is stated that the special operation was conducted with the support of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and the "Return Alive" Foundation.

'Historic petition' aiming to deprive Orban of right to vote launched in EU Parliament

In the European Parliament, a petition has been initiated to deprive the Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orbán, of the right to vote in the EU Council, according to Petri Sarvamaa, a Member of the European Parliament.

The MEP emphasized that the decision-making mechanism in the EU has stalled because of Viktor Orbán.

"It's now or never. The only way to make it work is to withhold Orban of his right to vote at the Council," he added.

The MEP also believes that the EU can demonstrate the unacceptability of blackmail within its borders. EU members have until Friday to sign the petition, which Sarvamaa called historic, after which it will be sent to the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola.

Zelenskyy to attend World Economic Forum in Davos

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will deliver a special address at the World Economic Forum. He will be present at the event scheduled for next week in person, report The Guardian та DW, according to a statement by Borge Brende, the President of the World Economic Forum.

According to Brende, Zelenskyy "will deliver the speech and meet CEOs" at the World Economic Forum, scheduled from January 15 to 19.

According to reports, one of the forum's topics will be Russia's war against Ukraine, but the main focus will be on the conflict between Israel and Hamas militants.

The conference will be attended by many world leaders and high-ranking politicians, including Israeli President Isaac Herzog, newly elected President of Argentina Javier Milei, French President Emmanuel Macron, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Over 100 Russian soldiers surrender in month on Tavria front, Ukrainian military reports

Over a hundred Russian soldiers surrendered to Ukrainian defenders in the past month. These figures are specific to the Tavria front, according to a statement from the spokesperson of the Unified Press Center of the Defense Forces of the Tavria front, Colonel Oleksandr Shtupun.

According to him, about 10 occupiers surrendered as of the day.

"Within three days, there are already 30 captured aggressors. And within a month - over 100 such individuals," notes Shtupun.

He adds that this is how enemy soldiers attempt to survive.

Sweden to contribute about $5 million to NATO fund for Ukraine assistance

Sweden will allocate 50 million Swedish kronor (about 5 million U.S. dollars) to the NATO fund to assist Ukraine. The funds will be used for military equipment, fuel, and medicines, according to the Swedish government's press service.

As reported, the NATO assistance fund for Ukraine will receive 50 million Swedish kronor, with the money directed towards supporting underfunded projects such as acquiring defense equipment, fuel, medicines, and demining equipment.