Russia has intensified its assault on Ukrainian civilians and troops, with a recent drone attack in Sumy region killing nine people and wounding 13 others. The Donetsk region has also seen increased shelling, resulting in one death and four injuries.
In other news, the US has suspended all non-military aid to Ukraine, citing a 90-day review of foreign assistance programs initiated by President Donald Trump. This move affects critical energy security initiatives, small business support, and media grants worth $5.4 billion. However, macro-financial aid from the US and World Bank remains unaffected.
The EU is debating restarting Russian pipeline gas imports as part of a peace deal for Ukraine, despite opposition from Brussels and Eastern European governments. The proposal aims to reduce energy costs but faces concerns about undermining efforts to secure long-term contracts.
Sweden has announced its largest military aid package yet, worth $1.2 billion, including funding for domestic weapons production and international defense funds. The UK is also set to provide Ukraine with a new $2.5 billion aid package focused on bolstering air defense and localizing arms production.
Ukraine’s demographic crisis deepens, with deaths outpacing births by nearly threefold in 2024, according to government data. Projections estimate the country’s population could shrink to 25 million by 2050, posing significant long-term challenges for workforce shortages and economic stagnation.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/katyasoldak/2025/01/31/friday-january-31-russias-war-on-ukraine-news-and-information-from-ukraine