Air raid alarms sounded in Kyiv amid escalating drone threats, prompting urgent warnings from the Ukrainian Air Force. Explosions were reported in several regions, and deteriorating conditions for Ukrainian forces near Kurakhove raised concerns about encirclement. President Zelensky visited Zaporizhzhia after a missile attack, highlighting the need for improved security. Meanwhile, Andriy Yermak stressed Ukraine’s current inability to negotiate with Russia, while international support, particularly from the U.S., remains critical as concerns grow over future military aid.
Air Raid Alarms Sound in Kyiv as Drone Threats Escalate
On Thursday evening, Kyiv faced its first air raid warning in four days, signaling a new wave of threats. The Ukrainian Air Force alerted citizens through its Telegram channel, indicating that enemy combat drones were spotted across various regions, including the center, north, and east of the nation.
“Attention! City of Kyiv! Seek shelter immediately. Enemy combat drones are approaching from the north,” was the urgent message directed to the residents of the capital. Reports from Mayor Vitali Klitschko indicated that parts of a drone had fallen in a district near the city center, fortunately without causing any fires or injuries.
Explosions were also recorded in Sumy, Kharkiv, and Vinnytsia, with details on damages still pending. Besides the drone incursions, the Russian military has been deploying guided glide bombs launched from aircraft. Recent weeks have seen a surge in attacks utilizing Iranian-made combat drones, with reports of over 100 drones being deployed in one night. Meanwhile, Russian military sources claim they have successfully intercepted a number of Ukrainian drones along the borders of Belgorod and Rostov.
Deteriorating Conditions for Ukrainian Forces near Kurakhove
In the eastern front, the situation for Ukrainian defenders continues to worsen. Military analysts report that a significant number of soldiers are at risk of encirclement south of Kurakhove in the Donetsk region. These troops had maintained long-standing positions on either side of the Suchi Jaly River, but the Russian advance into Uspeniwka is now jeopardizing their escape routes. A post on the military blog ‘DeepState’ questioned the strategic value of holding onto Uspeniwka while facing a gradual loss of control in Kurakhove.
While the General Staff has not disclosed detailed information regarding this front, they have acknowledged intense combat around Kurakhove, with Pokrovsk also experiencing fierce battles, prompting further evacuations of civilians from the city.
Zelensky Visits Zaporizhzhia Post-Missile Attack
Following a Russian missile attack that resulted in eleven fatalities, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the war-torn city of Zaporizhzhia. His visit included a trip to a damaged clinic that was hit on Tuesday, where he paid respect to the victims. He also toured a newly constructed underground school designed to accommodate 1,000 students.
In a video message, Zelensky emphasized the urgent need for improvements in Zaporizhzhia’s security and air protection. He met with military officials to discuss the situation as the front lines approach the city. Should Ukrainian forces need to evacuate from the eastern Donetsk region, they would have only 130 kilometers of open terrain leading to Zaporizhzhia on the Dnipro River.
Yermak Discusses Ukraine’s Position in Ongoing Negotiations
In light of ongoing international discussions regarding pathways to peace, Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to the Ukrainian president, stated that Ukraine currently lacks the strength for negotiations with Moscow. “At this moment, we are not in a position to negotiate. We need more weapons and a clear status,” he remarked during a Ukrainian television interview. He emphasized the importance of an invitation to NATO and solid guarantees to prevent a resurgence of Kremlin aggression.
In Berlin, foreign ministers from several European nations reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine while exploring potential security guarantees should ceasefire negotiations arise after Donald Trump assumes the presidency in January. However, specifics regarding these guarantees remain unclear. Meanwhile, plans for a European peacekeeping force have yet to be concretely established.
U.S. support for Ukraine remains robust, with the outgoing Biden administration announcing an additional $500 million in military aid, aimed at bolstering defense against the Russian invasion. This package includes drone defense systems, ammunition for the Himars rocket launcher, and armored vehicles. Just days prior, a substantial aid package worth approximately $988 million was disclosed. As the largest arms supplier to Ukraine, the Biden administration’s support has been pivotal, but with the transition of power on January 20, there are rising concerns about potential shifts in strategy under Trump, particularly regarding military aid to Ukraine.