A quick housekeeping note: I have something I have to do tomorrow afternoon and evening. So, tomorrow’s update is going to be abbreviated and go up around 2:00 PM EST. Thank you all in advance for your understanding of this matter.
Also, I hope this update finds you well…
What?
The Kyiv Independent is reporting that President Zelenskyy is going to make some personnel changes.
⚡️Zelensky teases multiple ‘important personnel decisions’ coming soon.
“We are preparing several important personnel decisions,” Zelensky said via his official Telegram channel the evening of Dec. 28. “The decrees will be announced soon.”
— The Kyiv Independent (@kyivindependent.com) December 28, 2024 at 12:59 PM
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Dec. 28 that his team is “preparing several important personnel decisions” that will be “announced soon.”
Zelensky’s comments followed meetings with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko.
“We are preparing several important personnel decisions,” Zelensky said via his official Telegram channel the evening of Dec. 28.
“The decrees will be announced soon.”
Zelensky did not provide any further details on what departments or officials would be affected by the new decisions.
Earlier this year, Zelensky launched a major government reshuffle, replacing key ministers and appointing a number of new advisors and deputies.
In February 2024, Zelensky also replaced Ukraine’s top military leadership, dismissing former Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi and appointing Oleksandr Syrskyi in his place.
Ukrainian media outlets reported in fall 2024 that Zelensky was considering dismissing Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Military Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanov. The president has denied those reports.
Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.
European Rules Must Prevail over Any Individual’s Ties with Moscow – Address by the President
28 December 2024 – 18:13
Dear Ukrainians!
Today, I spoke with the President of Azerbaijan. I expressed my condolences to the President and the people of Azerbaijan.
I have no doubt that the full truth about the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane can be established and that Russia will not succeed in concealing anything. Now there are already partners involved, who can be trusted, first of all, by Azerbaijan itself.
Ukraine will provide all the necessary assistance, and we call on every country to support Azerbaijan in this situation. And we call on every country to put pressure on Russia to stop the lies about this crash – the same lies as were told about MH-17, about the Boeing shot down over the Donetsk region.
In our conversation with President Aliyev, we acknowledged the heroism of the crew, who managed to steer the plane onto Kazakhstan territory, saving 29 people. But tragically, there were many fatalities, and for all this, the accountability must be borne – the accountability of those who hit the plane, and those in Russia who made all this possible: that the plane was targeted.
Today I received an intelligence report on what happened and the data we currently have. I instructed that all facts be shared with our partners.
In the coming days, we will continue our communication with the leaders – although the New Year is approaching, our work does not stop. We already have a preliminary schedule of our diplomatic engagements for January, including with our American partners.
Today, I also spoke with Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and had a discussion with Minister of Energy German Galushchenko. I heard the details of electricity imports from the European Union to Ukraine via Slovakia – about 19 percent. This is of the total volume. We are working with other neighbors in the EU.
And I have instructed our Government officials to do everything possible, together with the European Commission, together with all our partners in Europe, everything possible to maintain the stability of the united European energy system and uphold European energy rules. Whatever Putin may have told Fico during his visit to the Kremlin, European rules must prevail over any individual’s ties with Moscow.
And one more thing. We are preparing several important personnel decisions. The decrees will be announced soon. I want to thank everyone who helps!
Glory to Ukraine!
Georgia:
In Georgia, citizens have tied the Chain of Unity across the country❤️
— Sofia (@sofiaukraini.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 7:54 AM
Demands of today’s human chain of unity in Georgia: New Elections and Freedom for Political Prisoners, getting Georgia’s European future back
— Sofia (@sofiaukraini.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 8:39 AM
These chains are across all cities, this is in Khashuri, Georgia❤️
— Sofia (@sofiaukraini.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 8:44 AM
The Chain of Unity stretched for kilometers to connect Tbilisi’s seven bridges
— Sofia (@sofiaukraini.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 8:49 AM
The people of Georgia, are uniting from all corners of the country to form a live chain in solidarity. Today marks the 30th day of our continuous protests against the Russian-backed government, as we stand firm in our demand for sovereignty, democracy💪
— Sofia (@sofiaukraini.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 8:55 AM
In Batumi Georgia, even the pouring rain will not deter the people from showing their determination❤️
— Sofia (@sofiaukraini.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 9:00 AM
“We’re in your chain even from 3,653 meters high” — Georgian mountain climbers participating in the large pro-European human chain⛰️
— Sofia (@sofiaukraini.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 9:03 AM
In solidarity with Georgia, a Chain for Unity was held in London at Trafalgar Square, if you are there please join them❤️
— Sofia (@sofiaukraini.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 9:06 AM
In Rustavi Georgia, a couple came straight from the wedding to the Chain of Unity❤️
— Sofia (@sofiaukraini.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 9:13 AM
Even the small towns such as Gurjaani, joins Georgia’s historic human chain of unity
— Sofia (@sofiaukraini.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 9:24 AM
Ok this is too funny, russian propaganda downplaying the event😅
— Sofia (@sofiaukraini.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 9:24 AM
President Salome Zourabichvili joined the Chain of Unity.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 7:03 AM
A banner put up at the Metekhi church during the human chain for unity quotes the 19th-century national liberation figure, poet and writer Akaki Tsereteli: “F*ck that man who first praised Russians.”
#GeorgiaProtests #terrorinGeorgia #NewElectionsforGeorgia 🇬🇪🇪🇺
📷 Tabula— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 7:14 AM
Georgian Dream’s propaganda media outlets claimed the Chain of Unity was not large-scale and accused organizers of exaggerating its size with fragmented footage.
In response, Levan Tsikarishvili shared an “uninterrupted footage of the whole chain” filmed by him with a drone.
#GeorgiaProtests
— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) December 28, 2024 at 4:44 PM
Here’s the full video:
And here’s more video:
🇬🇪President Salome Zourabichvili called on citizens to gather at the presidential palace at 10 AM on Dec. 29.
At 11 AM, GD plans the inauguration of Mikheil Kavelashvili, as President.
Zourabichvili vows to remain in office until new elections are held, despite threats of arrest.
#GeorgiaProtests— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) December 28, 2024 at 3:00 PM
1/ Tomorrow is the inauguration of the president appointed by Georgian Dream, Mikheil Kavelashvili, while Salome Zourabichvili has her last working day.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 1:45 PM
2/ Today, Zourabichvili, who does not reside in the Orbeliani Palace, announced that she would spend the night there.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 1:45 PM
3/ “I am here, and I will spend the night here. Tomorrow, at 10 a.m., I will be waiting for you at the Palace, and from here, I will tell you what tomorrow will bring. I will tell you what the following days will be like and what the days of victory will look like,” she said.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 1:45 PM
An hour after 🇬🇪President Zourabichvili called for a 10 AM gathering at the Orbeliani Palace on Dec. 29, Georgian Dream released a video of Mikheil Kavelashvili’s inauguration rehearsal, scheduled for 11AM at Parliament.
“Tomorrow is a historic day,” wrote Shalva Papuashvili, GD’s Parliament Speaker.— Batumelebi&Netgazeti (@netgazeti.org) December 28, 2024 at 6:15 PM
The democratic forces (the four main parties) call upon friends & partners of democratic Georgia and the entire international community to act firmly and decisively against the self-proclaimed regime of the oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili and the Georgian Dream by implementing the following course: 1/
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 11:40 AM
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 11:40 AM
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 11:40 AM
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 11:40 AM
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 11:40 AM
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 11:40 AM
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 11:40 AM
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 11:40 AM
The US:
⚡️US to send $1.25 billion in military aid to Ukraine, AP reports.
The upcoming aid package is expected to include a substantial supply of air defense munitions, along with Stinger missiles and artillery rounds, according to U.S. officials.
— The Kyiv Independent (@kyivindependent.com) December 27, 2024 at 10:30 PM
Here are the details from The Kyiv Independent:
The U.S. is planning to send $1.25 billion in military aid to Ukraine, the Associated Press (AP) reported on Dec. 27, citing unnamed U.S. officials.
The announcement is expected to come on Dec. 30, officials said.
The outgoing White House administration has ramped up materiel shipments to Ukraine in the weeks before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Previously, the U.S. announced $500 million in military aid for Ukraine on Dec. 12.
The upcoming aid package is expected to include a substantial supply of munitions, officials told AP. This includes munitions for crucial air defense systems, such as the Hawk air defense system and the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS).
Stinger missiles and artillery rounds (105- and 155-mm) will also likely be provided, U.S. officials said.
The promised air defense delivery comes as Ukraine faces intensifying Russian aerial attacks targeting critical energy infrastructure. Russia directed a mass missile and drone strike against Ukraine’s power grid on Christmas morning, leading U.S. President Joe Biden to promise a “surge” of weapons deliveries to Kyiv in response.
Ukraine on Dec. 3 asked NATO countries for at least 20 air defense systems to repel Russian attacks.
The situation on the ground is also “challenging” and “trending towards escalation,” Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Nov. 9. Russia has been making a series of territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, advancing in Donetsk Oblast and now attempting to shift its offensive into the south.
Finland and Estonia:
Shoutout to our homies Finland and Estonia ✊
— Margo Gontar (@margogontar.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 1:13 PM
Russian shadow fleet tanker Eagle S will be moved today to the Svartbäck inner anchorage near the Kilpilahti port in Porvoo, Finland.
According to a police statement, the transfer operation began at approximately 10:50 a.m. yle.fi/a/74-2013352…
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 5:39 AM
Azerbaijan:
Country of Immature imbeciles unable to claim responsibility for their own actions.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 11:15 AM
Italy:
⚡️Pro-Russian hackers launch cyberattack against Italy’s Foreign Ministry, Milan airports.
The websites had to shut down temporarily, Italy’s cybersecurity agency said, but no flights were disrupted. Pro-Russian hackers claimed responsibility for the attacks.
— The Kyiv Independent (@kyivindependent.com) December 28, 2024 at 4:13 PM
From The Kyiv Independent:
Hackers targeted the websites of the Italian Foreign Ministry and two airports in Milan on Dec. 28, Italy’s cybersecurity agency (ACN) announced.
The pro-Russian hacker group NoName057(16) claimed responsibility for the attacks on their Telegram channel.
Starting from 8 a.m. local time on Dec. 28, denial of service (DDoS) attacks disrupted the foreign ministry website and the sites of the Milan-Malpensa and Milan-Linate airports, ACN reported. The websites had to shut down temporarily amid the attacks.
The disruptions did not affect any flights, the agency said.
The cyberattacks against the airports “affected only the sites available to users, not the systems that regulate the flow of flights or even the apps or websites of the individual flight companies,” according to ACN.
DDoS attacks direct excessive amounts of traffic at a website in order to overload its servers, often causing disruptions to service.
“Russophobes get a well-deserved cyber response,” the hacker group NoName057(16) said in a Telegram post claiming responsibility for the attacks.
The Kyiv Independent could not confirm these claims.
Pro-Russian hackers have attacked multiple targets throughout Europe since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, ACN said. Thse groups aim to “challenge Western countries’ support for Ukraine.”
Italy on Dec. 24 approved a decree extending military support to Ukraine through 2025. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who took office in late 2022, has consistently supported Kyiv and pledged unwavering assistance until the war ends.
Finally, someone, belatedly, asks the right question:
Question: should individual NATO allies decide that Russia’s hybrid campaign merits a response broadly in the same currency – setting aside if that’s prudent or not – what are the Russian targets that are vulnerable and could be disrupted in similarly limited fashion?
www.bbc.com/news/article…— Shashank Joshi (@shashj.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 10:30 AM
One part of the answer is to give Ukraine everything it needs to do what it has told the US, the EU, the EU member states, and NATO repeatedly: we will do the job for you, just resource us. The other part is to actually recognize that we’re in a world war and act accordingly.
Back to Ukraine.
Ukrainian drone armed with shotguns used to intercept enemy drones.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 4:25 AM
⚡️Ukrainian drones made up over 96% of UAVs military used in 2024, defense minister says.
The domestic drone industry “reached unprecedented production volumes” in 2024, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said on Dec. 28.
— The Kyiv Independent (@kyivindependent.com) December 28, 2024 at 4:50 PM
Here are the details from The Kyiv Independent:
Ukrainian drones accounted for over 96% of all unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) used by the military in 2024, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said on Dec. 28.
Kyiv has ramped up domestic drone production over the past year. Various aerial, naval, and ground drones have been developed and often successfully used for reconnaissance, combat, and other tasks throughout the full-scale with Russia.
The drone industry “reached unprecedented production volumes” in 2024, Umerov said in a Facebook post. Domestically produced drones accounted for 96.2% of all UAVs used by Ukrainian forces this year.
Ukraine manufactured over 1.5 million first-person-view (FPV) drones in 2024, Umerov said.
Ukrainian enterprises also produced reconnaissance drones, kamikaze aircraft, copter-bombers, and long-range drones, he added.
“Such figures indicate a new level of efficiency in the interaction between the state and Ukrainian UAV manufacturers,” Umerov said.
President Volodoymyr Zelensky said in December 2023 that Ukraine aimed to produce one million drones in the coming year. In April 2024, Kyiv launched the Brave1 government initiative to invest in defense tech innovations.
Ukraine in recent months has championed the development of long-range “missile-drones,” upgraded UAVs with turbojet engines that can act as alternatives to cruise missiles. Kyiv unveiled its Palianytsia and Peklo hybrids in the second half of 2024.
Zelensky has said Ukraine aims to produce at least 30,000 long-range drones next year.
Vovchansk:
The completely devastated city of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region bears little difference in appearance from a city destroyed by nuclear weapons.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 4:12 AM
Kherson Oblast:
💪 Mobile fire teams of the Kherson Air Defense Brigade.
— MAKS 24 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 3:25 PM
Oryol, Russia:
⚡️Ukraine destroys drone storage facility in Russia’s Oryol Oblast, General Staff reports.
Ukraine said this combat operation “significantly reduced the enemy’s ability to carry out airstrikes using kamikaze drones against Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure.”
— The Kyiv Independent (@kyivindependent.com) December 28, 2024 at 5:18 AM
Voskresensk, Moscow Oblast, Russia:
At the railway station in the settlement of Voskresensk, Moscow Region, partisans blew up the carriages of a freight train, which was used to provide logistics for the Russian army.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 6:03 AM
That’s enough for tonight.
Your daily Patron!
There are no new Patron skeets or videos today. Here is some adjacent material.
A few patients of the Hachiko Vet Van in eastern Ukraine this week: Bella the cat with blue eyes, Piggy the cat, and Button the dog! They are all recovering well with their host families around Kramatorsk.
— Nate Mook (@natemook.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 11:48 AM
Open thread!
KatKapCC
“Fuck that man who first praised Russians.”
Wise words.
Nukular Biskits
This sounds almost like an apology. Adam, you owe no one an apology, given all the work you put in for these updates, all on your own time.
Thank YOU, sir.
Adam L Silverman
@Nukular Biskits: It was more me being sarcastic, hence the next line mimicking the passive-aggressive email opening line that is in use so often these days.
funlady75
thank you Adam
Bill Arnold
Good to see drone-hunting drones with mounted shotguns, hunting drones.
Wondering what size shot they use; large birdshot?
Also, aiming or aiming assistance is something that AI could help (a lot) with; they are surely working on or have already deployed such.
wombat probability cloud
Fingers crossed for a positive trajectory in Georgia tomorrow. As always, thanks Adam.
AlaskaReader
Thanks Adam
Jay
Thank you, Adam.
pieceofpeace
Quietly, solemnly reading your reports, Adam, with gratitude.
Jay
https://nitter.poast.org/ZelenskyyUa/status/1872972924015005721#m
Chetan Murthy
@Jay: I guess I shouldn’t be so quick to judge Slovakia, given that we’re days away from doing similar (actually, much worse) things here in the US. Ugh.
Jay
@Chetan Murthy:
The Slovak People funded tanks, apcs, ambulances and ammo for Ukraine. Over 2million EU in mere months, and Slovakia is not a rich nation, when Fico cut aid. Updated, over 4 million Euro so far.
Fico’s government has done everything they can in the EU to block aid to Ukraine.