президент

Ukraine: Russian Airstrike on Zaporizhzhia Kills 13, Injures 113; Zelenksy Blames ‘Deliberate’ Attack

Russian forces have struck the center of the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, according to authorities. The airstrike occurred during the day on January 8, targeting a crowded area near an infrastructure object and a roadway. The Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that two guided aerial bombs were dropped, causing a fire at a prominent industrial enterprise, purportedly at the main administrative building of Motor Sich.

Emergency services confirmed that a blaze broke out, engulfing 800 square meters of the administrative building. The attack resulted in severe damage to four administrative buildings, residential multi-story dwellings, 27 vehicles, a tram, and a minibus. As of the morning of January 9, 13 people have been confirmed dead, with 113 injured, including a 13-year-old girl. 59 people have been hospitalized, with 10 in critical condition.

Ukrainian officials have condemned the attack as a deliberate act of aggression. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian forces struck the city with the "intent to kill and destroy."

"Russia wants only more war and more victims," Zelensky added.

The regional administration declared January 9 as a day of mourning in Zaporizhzhia.

Ukraine‘s Marine Forces Hold Ground in Kurakhovo as Russia Claims Control

Russian forces are pressing their advance in eastern Ukraine, with Russian news outlets and Ukrainian sources offering differing accounts of the situation in Kurakhovo, a strategic town in the Dонецкая область (Donetsk region). Here’s what we know so far:

Russia Claims Control: Euronews Русский reports that Russia has claimed to have seized Kurakhovo, a crucial town along the main road between Donetsk and Horlivka, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

Meduza shared images of Ukrainian marines in what appears to be Kurakhovo, suggesting that Ukrainian forces are still present.

Українська правда (Ukrainska Pravda) reported, citing its sources, that almost the entire town has been occupied by Russian forces.

Ukrainian Resistance: Despite Russian claims of control, РБК-Украина (RBK-Ukraine) reports that Ukrainian forces are continuing to hold off the Russian advance and neutralize Russian assault groups in the city. The Ukrainian military remains active, suggesting that the situation on the ground is fluid.

NV warns that Kurakhovo’s loss could lead to a Russian breakthrough, counseling that urgent measures are needed to prevent a Russian advance deeper into eastern Ukraine.

As the battle for Kurakhovo continues, the situation remains uncertain. While Russia claims to have taken the town, Ukrainian forces are doggedly resisting the Russian advance. The strategic significance of Kurakhovo means that its outcome could have profound implications for the broader conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Sources: Meduza, Ukrainska Pravda, Euronews Русский, NV, RBK-Ukraine.

Title: From War-Torn ’10s to Russian Occupation in ’20s: A Tale of Two Decades in Donbas’ Mariinka

In the verdant steppes of eastern Ukraine, the city of Mariinka once stood as a beacon of post-Soviet resilience. However, two decades marked a stark contrast for this Donetsk region town – a story of survival amidst conflict and the grim reality of Russian occupation.

The ’10s: A City Divided

The turning point for Mariinka came in 2014 when the Ukrainian-Russian war ignited, transforming this once-peaceful city into a flashpoint on the line of contact. For the next six years, Mariinka lived under the relentless shadow of shelling and sniper fire. Residents braved daily hardships, with schools and hospitals operating amidst the chaos. Despite the precarious conditions, local spirits remained unbroken, as captured in a 2018 Meduza report, "Life Among the Ruins."

The ’20s: Russian Occupation

The.I turned the page on Mariinka in February 2022, when Russian forces stormed across Ukraine’s borders. As the war escalated, the city fell under Russian control, bringing an end to the relative calm it had known since the ceasefire in 2019. The subsequent months saw Mariinka become a symbol of Russian brutality, with scores of civilians killed and displaced in indiscriminate bombardments.

A City in Stasis

Today, Mariinka lies in limbo, its future uncertain. Russian forces occupy the city, while Ukrainian troops remain poised nearby, eager to liberate this strategically vital hub. Meanwhile, Mariinka’s inhabitants await the day they can return home, to rebuild their lives and reclaim their city.

assemEantantly, Meduza’s ongoing coverage serves as a stark reminder of Mariinka’s plight, offering insight into the grim reality faced by countless Ukrainians caught in the crossfire of this brutal conflict, two decades in the making.

"Persistence and Impact: Meduza Celebrates Three years of Independent Journalism

Marking three years of unwavering commitment to independent journalism, Meduza, the Russianophone online news outlet, today celebrated a significant milestone in its mission to inform and empower millions worldwide. Since its inception, Meduza has stood tall as a beacon of truth, fostering informed decision-making even in the face of adversity.

At the heart of Meduza’s success lie the readers who have stood by it since day one. The outlet’s presence and impact can be attributed to the generous support of its patrons, a testament to the power of collective belief in the role of independent journalism.

For those outside Russia, Meduza extends an invitation to sustain this lifeline of truth and integrity by signing up for a monthly donation. By doing so, you become a stakeholder in delivering factual, unbiased news to millions, a responsibility Meduza takes seriously.

As we navigate towards 2025, Meduza remains steadfast in its commitment to informing, engaging, and empowering its audience. We encourage you to join us in this journey, as we together harness the power of independent information to create a more informed, connected world."

Ukraine‘s President Zelenksy Reports Major Losses for Russian, North Korean Forces in Kursk

President Volodymyr Zelensky has just announced significant enemy losses in the Kursk region of Ukraine. Within the last two days (3-4 January), Ukrainian forces have reportedly neutralized up to a battalion of North Korean and Russian paratrooper soldiers near the village of Mahnovka.

As per Zelensky’s videoconference, the head of Ukraine’s armed forces, General Alexander Syrskyi, provided these figures. The president described these losses as "significant," indicating a substantial blow to enemy morale and capabilities.

Intense fighting continues along the entire front line, with particular focus on the Pokrovsk direction. The enemy is persistently throwing large numbers of troops into assaults. Despite this, Ukrainian forces, particularly Special Operations Forces and the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade, have exhibited exceptional professionalism and effectiveness.

Separately, President Zelensky announced preparations for a meeting in the "Rammstein" format. Many allied nations, some of which can reinforce Ukrainian air defense and help shield against enemy missiles, aircraft, and guided bombs, are expected to attend.

In previous reports, Dialog.UA covered the strike by Ukrainian forces on a Russian military base in Livny, Kursk, on December 30. At least eight occupiers were killed, and 22 more were wounded. Additionally, Success in targeting a Russian command post near Mar’inino village was reported earlier this week.

• Article by Artem Malinovskiy