New Year's Eve in Ukraine was bombed last night. According to Moscow, at least four people were killed and 13 injured in an attack by Kiev forces in the city of Donetsk. Authorities in Odessa are instead reporting one dead and several injured after the Ukrainian port city was attacked by Russian drones. Attacks also on Lviv. In his year-end speech, Zelensky promised to “destroy” Moscow’s armed forces. Putin did not mention the war in his letter, but noted: “We will never withdraw.” Xi spoke of strengthening ties between China and Russia. More than 20 rockets were fired by Hamas against Israel last night, on New Year's Eve. The Jewish state's army has decided to return to national territory five brigades involved in ground operations in the Gaza Strip. US Navy helicopters sank three boats belonging to Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen that had attacked a container ship in the Red Sea.
Hamas rocket fire on Israel, no one injured
More than 20 rockets were fired by Hamas into central and southern Israel at the start of the new year. Most were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system, writes the Times of Israel. Sirens wailed in various locations in the center of the country, including Rehovot, Ness Ziona, Holon, Lod and Modiin, as well as in Ashdod, Sderot and other southern cities. According to the emergency services, there were no injuries.
Russian drones over Odessa, one dead and several injured
A Russian drone strike on the southern Ukrainian city of Odessa yesterday left one person dead and several others injured, local authorities said. Ukrainian media reported that debris from crashed planes hit buildings across the port city and caused fires in several residential areas.
Russian attack on December 29th, 27 dead in Kiev, total number rises to 50
The death toll in Kiev from Russia's major attack on Ukraine last Friday has risen to 27: this was announced by the capital's military administration (Kmva), Rbc-Ukraine reported. The new count brings the number of people who lost their lives nationwide in the attack to at least 50. “Rescuers found four more bodies under the rubble. The total number of deaths is already 27. There are 30 injured,” the KMVA said in a statement, adding that search and rescue operations were still ongoing.
Kiev, record number of Russian drones over Ukraine, 87 of 90 shot down
A “record number” of Russian drones marked New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Ukraine, causing death and destruction. Between yesterday evening and the early hours of today, Moscow's armed forces launched a total of 90 unmanned kamikaze aircraft against the country, 87 of which were shot down by Kiev's air defense forces. The Ukrainian Air Force announced this via Telegram, adding that the maxi attack was also accompanied by 8 missiles of different types. The target regions include Kharkiv, Kherson, Zaporizhia and Odessa.
Japan: 7.4 magnitude earthquake, tsunami alarm triggered
A tsunami alarm was issued in Japan after a powerful earthquake struck the Noto region of Ishikawa Prefecture in the west of the country. The recorded shock had a magnitude of 7.4.
US-China: Exchange of messages between Xi and Biden, “stable relations to promote peace and development”
Exchange of messages between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden to mark the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In his message, Xi said that the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States is an important event in the history of bilateral and international relations, stressing that relations have experienced ups and downs over the past 45 years, but overall have changed forward, which not only improved the well-being of the two peoples, but also promoted peace, stability and prosperity in the world. History has already shown and will continue to clearly show that mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation are the right path for China and the United States to get along as two great countries, the Chinese president said. This should be the direction of China and the United States' joint efforts. Xi emphasized that he and Biden laid out a forward-looking “vision” when they met in San Francisco, stressing that he is ready to work with Biden to help the two countries and their peoples and the cause of peace and development advance the world. In his message, Biden said the relationship between the United States and China has enabled prosperity and opportunity for the United States, China and the world since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1979. Biden said he is committed to managing this important relationship responsibly, adding that he is committed to improving U.S.-China relations based on the progress made by the two leaders' predecessors and through multiple meetings and discussions between the two heads of state.
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