A major Russian drone assault on Kyiv resulted in two fatalities and at least six injuries on New Year's Day, while a key gas transit deal between Ukraine and Russia expired, impacting European energy supplies. The attacks occurred as the world celebrated the arrival of 2025, highlighting the ongoing conflict's stark realities.
The drone strike, involving over 100 unmanned aerial vehicles, targeted residential areas in the Ukrainian capital, causing significant damage. Among the injured were a pregnant woman, as confirmed by city officials, with emergency services responding to the aftermath of the attacks.
In a separate development, a long-standing gas transit agreement between Russia's Gazprom and Ukraine concluded on Wednesday. This deal had facilitated the flow of Russian gas through Ukraine's pipelines to European nations like Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria. Ukraine opted not to renew the agreement, asserting it would not allow Russia to profit from the ongoing conflict, causing a reduction in gas imports to the EU by about 14 billion cubic meters.
Meanwhile, despite the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the US administration for its provision of military support, including rocket systems and artillery. This support, along with Ukrainian forces' resilience, has been essential amidst the Russian advances, which have been the fastest since 2022 and has resulted in Russia controlling approximately a fifth of Ukraine’s territory.
Additionally, the conflict also saw Ukraine conducting a surprise counter-attack into Russia’s Kursk region in 2024, marking the first time Russia had been invaded since WWII. Russia’s attempts to reclaim this territory have reportedly been hampered by losses in men and equipment, and the introduction of forces from North Korea. Despite these challenges, Russian President Putin has affirmed the nation's strength and commitment in the ongoing war effort.
