Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has entered its 1,041st day, with several key developments emerging on the 31st of December. Here are some of the notable events:
A Ukrainian drone attack in western Russia’s Smolensk region caused a fuel spill and fire at an oil depot, with Russian air defense systems reportedly intercepting the drones.
Russia has downed 68 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over the past 24 hours, with 10 more destroyed in the Smolensk region. The country and Ukraine have also exchanged over 300 prisoners of war (POWs), with Russia swapping 150 Ukrainian POWs and Ukraine receiving 189.
The United States has announced a significant increase in military aid to Ukraine, committing nearly $2.5 billion to support the war-torn country ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration in January. The US also plans to provide an additional $3.4 billion in economic assistance to help Ukraine rebuild its infrastructure.
In diplomatic efforts, Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Ukraine’s foreign minister, expressing hopes for “strategic partnerships” between the two countries. China’s President Xi Jinping sent a New Year’s message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, promising to promote “world peace.” Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un extended greetings to his “dearest friend and comrade” Putin.
In other news, Moldova’s separatist Transnistria region cut gas supplies to state institutions ahead of the expiration of a Russian gas transit deal through Ukraine. Russia’s energy giant Gazprom also announced it will suspend gas exports to Moldova on January 1 due to unpaid debts.
These developments mark another day in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with ongoing efforts from various countries to support both sides.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/31/russia-ukraine-war-list-of-key-events-day-1041