Ukraine-Russia war latest: Russian ballistic missile strike injures dozens in Kharkiv attack
Ukraine said its forces ‘adhere to international law’
Russian missiles hit a multi-storey apartment building in Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine, killing at least two people and injuring about 25 more.
However, Russia has denied the assault took place on Friday, suggesting that an explosion at the site was caused by Ukrainian ammunition.
Speaking on Ukrainian television, Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov said two ballistic missiles had hit the area and “nearly destroyed a five-story dwelling”. “Rescue teams are on site,” he said. “They are primarily clearing rubble and searching for people underneath.”
It comes after Kyiv denied Russian claims that Ukrainian drones deliberately hit a cafe and hotel in the occupied village of Khorly in Kherson, killing at least 27 people.
Svetlana Petrenko, spokesperson of Russia’s Investigative Committee, had claimed in a statement that the strike targeted a hotel where at least 100 civilians were celebrating New Year’s Eve overnight into Thursday. A total of 31, including five minors, were hospitalized with injuries.
A spokesperson for Ukraine’s General Staff, Dmytro Lykhovii, denied attacking civilians.
Erdogan says he will discuss Ukraine and Gaza with Trump on Monday
Turkey President Tayyip Erdogan says he will hold a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Monday to discuss peace efforts between Ukraine and Russia, as well as issues surrounding Gaza.
Speaking to reporters in Istanbul on Friday, Erdogan also said Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan would attend a meeting of the “Coalition of the Willing” in Paris in the coming days.
As of January 3, 2026, the Ukraine-Russia war is marked by high-stakes diplomatic maneuvering and continued heavy aerial bombardment as both sides enter their fourth year of full-scale conflict.
Political & Diplomatic Developments
Administrative Shake-up in Kiev:
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Kyrylo Budanov, the former head of military intelligence (GUR), as his new presidential chief of staff. Oleh Ivashchenko, formerly head of foreign intelligence, has been named to replace Budanov as the new military intelligence chief.
Peace Talk Tensions: Zelenskyy stated in his New Year’s address that a peace deal is “90% ready,” although he stressed Ukraine will not accept a “weak” agreement. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has accused Ukraine of a recent drone strike on President Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region—a claim rejected by both Kiev and U.S. intelligence as a fabrication.
U.S. Mediation: Discussions involving the Trump administration have intensified, with reports of a 15-year security guarantee offering being discussed. However, significant hurdles remain regarding territorial concessions and security guarantees.
Military & Battlefield Updates
New Year Aerial Attacks:
Russia launched over 200 drones at Ukrainian energy infrastructure during the New Year period, causing widespread power outages in seven areas. Ukraine reported a counter-strike on a hotel in the Russian-occupied Kherson region, which Moscow claims killed 24–27 civilians; Kyiv maintains it only targets military and energy sites.
Territorial Gains in 2025:
Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) and DeepState report that Russian forces seized approximately 5,600 square kilometers (about 1% of Ukrainian territory) in 2025, largely in the Donetsk region near Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad.
Casualty Estimates: Ukraine’s General Staff estimated that Russian casualties (killed and wounded) reached over 1.2 million since the 2022 invasion started, with approximately 400,000 occurring in 2025 alone.
Missile deployment in Belarus: Russia recently deployed nuclear-capable Oreshnik hypersonic missiles into Belarus, further raising regional tensions.
International Support & Humanitarian Crisis
Financial Aid: The European Union has reached a deal to provide a EUR90 billion loan to Ukraine to sustain its war effort through 2026 and 2027.
New Equipment: Ukraine has deployed two additional Patriot air defense systems obtained from Germany to counter the increased drone and missile barrages.
Energy Insecurity: Attacks on the power grid continue to be a primary Russian strategy, leaving nearly 1,800 households in occupied Zaporozhye and thousands more in Odesa without power in early January.
Several major turning points in the Ukraine-Russia war between September 2024 and January 2026 આવ્યા છે. The current status and important details of the last few months are
Strategic changes and battlefield situation
Russia‘s advance:
Russian army to occup of eastern Ukraine during 2025 Pressure had increased in the area. Heavy fighting is going on especially near cities like Pokrovsk and Kurakhove. Russia is reported to have captured an area of approximately 5,600 square km by 2025.
anuary 3, 2026 According to the latest news, the following major events are taking place in the Ukraine-Russia war:
- Coup and new appointments in Ukraine
President Volodymyr Zelensky today The biggest change in the administration has been completed so far.
Kyrylo Budanov: Ukraine’s famous military intelligence chief is now the new Chief of Staff of the President Staff has been formed.
Oleh Ivashchenko: He was appointed as the new Chief of Military Intelligence (GUR) to replace Budanov. Have come.
Zelensky said that this change has been made to formulate a new war strategy.
- Air attacks and power cuts
Russia’s drone attack: From last night till this morning Russia attacked Ukraine. Energy grid has been attacked with more than 200 drones. Due to this, there has been power failure in seven provinces.
Ukraine responded: Ukraine attacked a hotel in Kherson area under Russian occupation. છે. Russia claims that 27 people died, while Ukraine says that Russian military personnel there The officers were stopped.
- Peace Deal Sign
President Zelensky has given a big statement in today’s address that Peace Deal is 90% ready.
However, Russia still maintained an aggressive attitude. Russia has accused America and Ukraine of just wasting time in the name of peace.
tension in moscow
Ukrainia ns near the residence of Russian President Putin in Novgorod There is a report that the drone has been hit. The Kremlin described it as a “terrorist attack”, although Ukraine denied any involvement. કર્યો છે.
- International status
America’s role: ceasefire imposed by the Trump administration Efforts have been intensified. According to reports, discussions are going on to provide a 15-year security guarantee to Ukraine so that the war does not stop. Can be stopped.
Today Ukraine is changing its military leadership and Russia is continuously conducting missile attacks. Now all eyes are on the final terms of the peace agreement.
For more such information, connect with us today: : www.globalmediaa.com
