On January 8, Russian forces launched one of the most devastating attacks of the war in this region, dropping two glide bombs that killed at least 13 people and wounded 122 others. The city declared a day of mourning on January 9,

The report documents violations of international human rights and humanitarian laws, including possible war crimes

Senior Russian security officials seem to assess that Russia needs to intensify its war against Ukraine rather than seek a negotiated exit. They are not ready to give up the war because of heavy losses,

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin answered a plea from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for more help to keep Russian warplanes away from its cities and borders with a $500 million package of fresh military aid.

The Biden administration has announced the final tranche of military aid it will send to Ukraine, amounting to about $500 million.

The defense minister met with his Norwegian counterpart on the sidelines of the Ramstein summit on Jan. 9. According to Umerov, the 2025 assistance to Ukraine will mark the largest military aid package in Norway's history.