Serbia's Russian-owned oil refinery to resume operations in mid-January, Vucic says

Russian forces launched 165 strike drones overnight, of which roughly 100 were Shahed-type drones, according to Zelensky. Two of the four wounded victims are in serious condition.

Russia had publicly accused Ukraine of launching 91 drones toward a residence used by Putin — a claim Putin personally conveyed to Trump during the phone call.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Jan. 4, Trump said: "We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security."

The Energia factory in Lipetsk Oblast produces components for Russian missiles and drones, including batteries for the Iskander ballistic missile system and cruise missiles.

Kyiv is ready for "both options," Zelensky said: the diplomatic track, or ongoing active defense against Russia. "Ukraine will never surrender," he said.

The death toll has risen as rescue workers uncover the remains of more victims buried beneath the rubble of a destroyed apartment building.

Deineko has been appointed as an adviser to Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. A permanent replacement to lead the State Border Guard Service will be named shortly, Zelensky said.

"Control over key positions is maintained. The enemy is suffering significant losses in manpower and equipment," Ukraine's Air Assault Forces said.

NIS, one of the few remaining Russian energy assets operating in Europe, was sanctioned by Washington last January as part of broader efforts to restrict Russian energy exports.

The blast occurred as the soldier was opening the trunk of his car, the Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office said.

The new measures target 95 individuals and 70 entities, including manufacturers of communications, electronic warfare, and microelectronics for Russia's military-industrial complex and security agencies.

In the first episode of Ukraine This Week in 2026, the Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur examines how international sports federations are gradually rolling back bans on Russian and Belarusian athletes as the Olympic year begins.

Russian air defense systems shot down 132 Ukrainian drones overnight on Jan. 3-4, including 11 intercepted over Moscow Oblast, the Russian Defense Ministry has claimed.