Russia launched 111 drones at Ukraine during New Year's night, with strikes continuing into morning. In Kyiv's Pechersk district, falling debris damaged 17 buildings, killing two civilians and wounding seven, including a pregnant woman. The casualty count increased throughout morning reports.
Ukraine formally ended Russian gas transit through its territory, which Zelenskyy characterized as Moscow's major defeat. Ukrainian intelligence services conducted a cyberattack on Lukoil's payment systems.
Commander Syrskyi visited the Kursk direction, where military sources claimed Russian losses exceeded 38,000 troops. By evening, reports emerged of 125 combat clashes across the front, with particular attention to Russian attempts near Chasiv Yar and a potential bridgehead near Lyman.
Intelligence chief Budanov's promise of "many good events" in 2025 circulated alongside news of 200 Ukrainian pilots completing preparatory training in Britain before F-16 instruction.