On New Year's Day, Russia launched a major aerial assault on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv and several other regions with a mix of missile and drone attacks. These strikes mark the latest chapter in Russia's ongoing campaign against Ukraine's infrastructure.

The Ukrainian air-force reported a ballistic missile threat at 3:00 AM, followed by explosions in Kyiv. Another missile alert was issued around 8:00 AM, with more explosions heard across the city. Although debris from the missile landed in Kyiv’s Darnytskyi district, local authorities confirmed no casualties or significant damage.

In the northeastern Sumy region, near the city of Shostka, strikes caused widespread destruction. Reports confirm that a dozen residential buildings and 2 educational facilities were damaged. Moreover,, "social infrastructure objects" were destroyed, though specific details were not provided.

Ukraine's air force also reported multiple missile and drone attacks across several other regions. Russian forces continue their relentless campaign, targeting vital Ukrainian infrastructure. Nearly half of Ukraine's energy systems have been damaged during the conflict, resulting in frequent power outages across the country.

On the New Year Day, January 1st,  Russia launched another drone strike on Kyiv, injuring at least 3 people and damaging buildings in 2 districts. Explosions were heard as Ukraine's air force warned of the incoming drones. Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that air defences had intercepted some of the attacks, but the strike still partially destroyed two floors of a residential building. Debris also damaged a non-residential property in another area.

Despite Ukraine receiving advanced air defence systems from Western allies, Russia continues to intensify its strikes, attempting to overwhelm the defences with simultaneous missile and drone assaults.

In response, Ukraine's military achieved a significant strike of its own. The Ukrainian general staff reported that it hit a Russian oil depot in Smolensk, Russia, setting fire to stored oil products. Separately, Ukraine's military intelligence revealed that a Ukrainian sea drone had downed a Russian helicopter over the Black Sea using anti-aircraft missiles.

The attacks come amid growing uncertainty about the future direction of the war. US President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to take office next month, has promised to end the conflict, although his plans for doing so remain unclear. This has raised concerns about the potential reduction of vital US military support for Ukraine. In response to this uncertainty, outgoing President Joe Biden announced an additional $2.5 billion in military aid to support Ukraine's defences before Trump's inauguration on January 20.

So far this year, Russia has steadily gained the upper hand in the conflict, making significant advances in the eastern regions of Ukraine through a series of sustained offensives.