Kyiv Post Morning Memo – Everything You Need to Know on Monday, Jan. 2

Good morning from Kyiv where it was yet another noisy night as Russia continued to mark 2023 with missiles and kamikaze drones.

Air raid sirens rang out at just after 1 a.m. and explosions could be heard in the region as air defenses got to work. More than 20 drones were shot down but some energy infrastructure facilities were damaged.

As of this morning, emergency power outages were once again in place in the capital. You can read more about this story here.

What was in President Zelensky’s latest message?

Volodymyr Zelensky was in particularly punchy mood last night as he contrasted the “pathetic Russian terrorists” to the “awesome” Ukrainian defenders, adding that the overwhelming emotion currently sweeping Russia is that of “fear.”

“They are afraid,” he said. “You can feel it. And they are right to be afraid. Because they are losing. Drones, missiles, anything else will not help them. Because we are together. And they are together only with fear.

“And they will not take away a single year from Ukraine, they will not take away our independence. We will not give them anything.”

The president also once again praised those in control of Ukraine’s air defense who, after a weekend of sustained Russian attacks, shot down vast numbers of missiles and drones.

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“Well done, guys,” he said, adding: “Our defenders were awesome, and on Jan. 1 they showed themselves very well.”

What’s the latest military situation?

The British Ministry of Defense (MoD) update dated Jan. 2 is a short one that highlights the ongoing fight for control of the P66 highway, north of the Russian-held Luhansk Oblast town of Kremina.

“The P66 is a key supply route for the northern section of Russia’s Donbas front from the Belgorod region of Russia,” the MoD writes.

“Its use has been disrupted by Ukrainian artillery since October, but if Ukraine were able to secure the route, if would highly likely further undermine Russia’s defense of Kremina.”

And that’s it on the military analysis front as the team at the Institute for the Study of War appear to be taking a very well-earned break for New Year.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Sure, here’s a round-up of great features from across the web:

·       Europe’s big question: What a diminished Russia will do next – CNN

·       Evidence of Russian crimes mounts as war in Ukraine drags on – AFP

·       War against Ukraine has left Russia isolated and struggling — with more tumult ahead – NPR

And that’s it for today’s Morning Memo.

Kyiv Post will bring you the latest news throughout the day and we’ll be back with another edition tomorrow.