Here is the update on Thursday, January 2:
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalated further as Russia launched a drone strike on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, resulting in casualties and damage to buildings. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, emphasizing Russia’s relentless aggression towards Ukraine.
In response, the Ukrainian military successfully shot down multiple Russian drones and engaged in combat to defend their territory. Ukrainian forces also reported significant losses on the Russian side, with thousands of soldiers either killed or wounded.
On the economic front, the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine to Europe was halted, leading to repercussions on both sides. Gazprom cited legal and technical constraints for the suspension, while Ukraine viewed the move as a strategic victory against Russian influence.
The decision to stop gas transit was applauded by Poland and seen as a step towards reducing dependence on Russian energy sources. Meanwhile, Slovakia faced challenges in gas supply following the transit cutoff, prompting the government to consider retaliatory measures.
In a separate development, Russian President Vladimir Putin directed efforts to strengthen collaboration with China in artificial intelligence, signaling Russia’s focus on technological advancements in the global arena.
