Overview
- Ukraine’s General Staff recorded 142 engagements on December 30, with the heaviest clashes on the Pokrovsk and Huliaipole axes.
- Ukrainian units report all approaches to Pokrovsk are under drone surveillance and say reinforced defenses are holding key positions.
- Russian forces hit Odesa’s port infrastructure twice in a day, igniting oil tanks, and a night attack injured four people in the city, including three children.
- Ukrenergo reported widespread power outages in Chernihiv region with partial blackouts in Kharkiv and Sumy following strikes on energy facilities.
- ISW reported no corroboration for Moscow’s Valdai claim as Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry labeled it a ploy to undercut talks, EU leaders held an urgent call, a top U.S. NATO envoy voiced doubts, and Kyiv said negotiations with partners continue into early January.