Ukraine War - Intel News

Finland currently allocates 2.4% of its GDP to defense and plans to increase this to 3.3% by 2032. The government aims to raise defense spending from approximately €6.8 billion in 2025 to €11.5 billion by 2032, surpassing NATO's guideline of 2%.

Bashar al Assad allegedly tried to be killed in Moscow: traces of poison found in his blood - The Sun.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico threatens to halt electricity exports to Ukraine and significantly reduce support for Ukrainian refugees in response to the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukrainian territory. Fico referred to the termination of gas transit as “Zelensky’s sabotage,” claiming annual losses for Slovakia amount to €500 million due to this decision. The Prime Minister confirmed that Slovak government representatives would discuss the transit issue in Brussels on Tuesday, January 7.

“On behalf of Smer [Fico’s party–ed.], I declare our readiness to negotiate within the coalition to cease electricity supplies and significantly reduce support for Ukrainian citizens residing in Slovakia” Fico stated.

Following the talks in Brussels, Fico plans to convene a coalition council and a cabinet meeting to discuss appropriate responses.

In Transnistria, all industrial enterprises have ceased operations due to a lack of energy resources, the region’s first deputy head of government announced. The unrecognized republic has been cut off from gas supplies following the suspension of deliveries from Russia.

Gas prices in Europe have reached their highest level since October 2023 - Bloomberg. This occurred following the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine, amid colder weather in Europe and the shutdown of a Norwegian liquefied natural gas plant due to a compressor failure. After the transit through Ukraine stopped, any disruptions at global LNG export facilities directly impact European prices. This could further accelerate the depletion of gas from European storage facilities, where reserves are already decreasing at the fastest pace since 2021.

"Although Europe is unlikely to run out of gas this winter, thanks to reserves and supplies from other providers, traders may find it harder to refill storage for the next heating season" Bloomberg comments.

Ukraine issues a nationwide alert following signs of Russia about to launch it's Oreshnik IRBM missile. As of now no launches have yet been detected.

A circular defense of Izyum and Balaklia is being prepared by Ukrainian Armed Forces. Currently, planned measures are being taken to take into account the front line, possible changes in the Russian's soldiers direction of movement, and his priorities at the front.

Ukrainian Magura missile boats in the Black Sea destroyed two Russian Mi-8 helicopters According to preliminary information, the crews of the indicated planes are "200s". Another Russian helicopter was shot down, but it was able to land.

Satellite images appear to show the construction of a major Russian military base in southern Libya. The base is located at a strategic point near the border of Sudan and Chad and close to the gold mines of the Kuri-Bugudi region. According to several Sudanese military journalists, the base will belong to the Russian Defense Ministry's "Africa Corps".

Storm Shadow missile strike on Lgov, Kursk oblast. Reports indicate a fire has broken out. Meanwhile, Rostov, Taganrog, and Voronezh are facing drone activity.

The truck that rammed into a crowd in New Orleans was flying a flag. Some online commentators speculate that it could have been an ISIS flag. The FBI confirmed the death of the individual responsible for the attack on pedestrians and classified the incident as a terrorist attack.

Terrorist attack in New Orleans (Louisiana, USA): a truck drove into a crowd celebrating New Year's Eve, then the driver got out of the car and shot people. The police opened fire in return. According to CBS News, at least 10 people were killed and 30 injured.

At least one person has been killed and six others injured in Kiev following this morning’s Russian attack. Reports also indicate that after the Shahed drone strikes, the roof of a National Bank building in the Pechersk district caught fire.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico warned that halting the transit of Russian gas to Europe through Ukraine would have a serious impact on EU countries, but not on Russia, Reuters reports.

The supply of Russian gas through Ukraine has ceased as of 8:00 a.m. Moscow time on January 1, Gazprom reports. The company stated that it lacks the technical and legal capability to deliver gas.

Access to certain Russian media has been restricted in the EU under DSA/sanctions laws. Meanwhile, all Western media Telegram channels remain accessible in Russia.

Russia may go to war with Japan and South Korea — the Kremlin already has lists of targets for strikes – Financial Times. The main targets of the Russians in these two Asian countries are 160 facilities, including nuclear power plants, roads, bridges, factories, and other infrastructure.

During the night, drones struck an oil depot in Russia’s Smolensk Oblast. Explosions were also reported in Sevastopol.

In the video, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha presented Syrian HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa with a Ukrainian embroidered shirt.