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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."

Russian Forces Strike Multiple Kyiv Districts with Attack Drones

Ukrainian officials have reported that Russian forces launched a wave of drone strikes targeting several districts of Kyiv. The attacks were confirmed by both the head of the Kyiv region’s military administration, Nikolai Kalashnikov, and the head of the city’s military administration, Timur Tkachenko.

In the Brovarskyi district, a cargo vehicle was damaged in the strike, resulting in the death of a 25-year-old driver. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine provided this update. Meanwhile, in the Fastivskyi district, a 23-year-old woman was injured after being struck by debris from a falling drone. She was taken to a hospital for medical treatment.

In the Bila Tserkva district,four private residences and one outbuilding were damaged, leaving three people injured. According to Kalashnikov, the injured include a 16-year-old teenager, his father, and a 68-year-old woman.

In the Darnytskyi district of Kyiv, a fire broke out at a private residence following a drone strike. Firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze, and no injuries were reported, according to Tkachenko.

Title: Ukraine Appoints New Military Ombudsperson: A New Start or Controversy?

Meta Description: Ukraine welcomes its first military ombudsperson, Journalist and human rights defender, Olga Reshetlova. Will she make a significant difference in protecting military personnel’s rights?

Article:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a significant appointment at the end of 2024, signing a decree to create the position of a military ombudsperson. The new appointee is journalist and human rights activist, Olga Reshetlova.

Reshetlova, known for her work with organizations like the ‘Median Initiative for Human Rights,’ ‘Return Alive,’ and the ‘Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union,’ will now advocate for the rights of Ukrainian military personnel and their families. She has promised to work on developing and implementing a law for the military ombudsperson, stating that her immediate task involves building systems that prioritize the dignity of Ukraine’s warriors.

The new military ombudsperson has already shared her contact details, encouraging servicemen and their families to voice their concerns. Reshetlova’s approach is a stark contrast to the stereotype of a ‘military ombudsperson’ as someone who walks around camps, wielding a stick to punish ‘bad’ commanders. Instead, she aims to foster systemic changes that will keep Ukrainian troops motivated and respected.

However, not everyone has welcomed the appointment. Social media discussions have criticized Reshetlova’s past posts, particularly her criticism of the ‘Azov’ regiment and her visits to annexed Crimea and Chechnya. Responding to her critics, Reshetlova has defended her past actions, highlighting her commitment to documenting Russian war crimes and supporting Ukrainian prisoners of war.

As Ukraine enters its 1055th day of conflict, the appointment of a military ombudsperson adds a new layer to the country’s effort in supporting its troops. While some welcome the appointment as a sign of commitment to soldiers’ rights, others see it as mired in controversy. The coming months will determine whether Reshetlova’s appointment will indeed bring positive changes or remain a source of contention.

Readers weigh in on the possibility of peace in 2025:

— Alex (Germany) on the chances of peace with Donald Trump’s return: I think there’s a slim chance for peace under a Trump administration, potentially leading to Ukraine keeping seized territories and gaining security guarantees. However, this scenario risks leaving Ukraine and its people dissatisfied. More likely, both sides will continue fighting, further draining human resources.

— You’re invited! — Share your thoughts on Ukraine’s military ombudsperson and the prospects for peace in 2025. Click on the link and let us know your opinions!

Related Articles:

• War: Day 1055 – Ukraine Halts Russian Gas Transit
• War: Day 1055 – Analyzing the Impact of Recent Casualties

Ukraine Strikes Russian Village in Ukrainian troops risk losing more hard-won land in Kursk to …”>Kursk, Russia Claims Civilian Targets Hit; Ukraine Insists on Military Objective

In a statement on January 2, Curaan’s acting governor, Alexander Khinshtein, claimed that Ukrainian military forces launched a rocket strike on the village of Ivanovka in the Rylyansky district of Kursk, Russia. Local social media pages have shared images purporting to show the aftermath of the strike.

According to the acting governor, only civilian objects were hit, with the local House of Culture serving as the direct target. Nearby damages included a school-boarding house, post office, shopping center, and residential dwelling. No local residents reportedly sought medical aid.

However, the head of Ukraine’s Center for Counteracting Disinformation (CCD), Andriy Kovalenko, asserted that the strike on Ivanovka was aimed at Russian military forces. "There was a successful strike. Significant losses were inflicted on the 810th Brigade of the RF as a result," he wrote on Telegram.

Similarly, Anton Gerashchenko, an advisor to the Ukrainian Interior Minister, stated that the House of Culture in Ivanovka could have been hosting a ceremony to award Russian military personnel. His claims were partly based on military vehicles, like UAZs and Urals, allegedly spotted near the cultural center.

As of now, neither the Russian nor the Ukrainian military authorities have officially commented on the Ivanovka strike incident.

Russian Drone Strike Hits Kyiv on New Year’s Day; Two Dead, Seven Injured

In the early hours of January 1st, Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital city, came under drone attack by Russia, according to the city’s military administration. The assault left two dead and seven injured, with significant infrastructure damage.

The attack commenced in the Pecherskyi district, where debris from a downed drone struck a non-residential building and a multi-story apartment complex. Consequently, several floors of the residential building sustained partial destruction.

In the Святошинский (Svyatoshynskyi) district, another drone crash sparked a fire in a non-residential building and damaged tram tracks.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense has yet to comment on the strike.