Ukraine has received a new air defence system called Gravehawk, developed by Britain and Denmark. The system is roughly the size of a shipping container and can shoot down aerial threats using retrofitted air-to-air missiles launched from the ground. This allows Ukrainian forces to use their existing missiles to target Russian missiles and drones.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military has been conducting operations against Russian targets, including a large-scale fire at a Russian depot in the Voronezh region and an attack on a major gunpowder factory in the Tambov region. France and Norway have also committed to delivering jet fighters to Ukraine, with deliveries expected this year.
Ukraine has also been carrying out ground drone operations, using drones equipped with machine guns and mines to carry out what it claims is the first documented machine-only ground assault in the war with Russia. The country has also sentenced a former local official to 15 years behind bars on high treason charges for aiding Russian forces.
Additionally, Ukraine’s economy is expected to slow down this year due to staff shortages and an energy crisis caused by Russia’s ongoing invasion. A compensation scheme has been opened for Ukrainians who have lost close relatives during the conflict, with thousands of requests already received.
Ukraine’s relations with Iran are also being scrutinized after Iranian-made drones have been used in the conflict. The Russian president is set to meet with the Iranian president on Friday to sign a strategic cooperation agreement.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/17/ukraine-war-briefing-gravehawk-revealed-as-new-air-defence-system-pledged-by-starmer