Volodymyr Zelensky will reportedly not go to Davos following a large-scale strike on Kyiv, as he insists the US can do more to stop Vladimir Putin.
The Ukrainian president has prioritised staying in the capital over the World Economic Forum, saying that he will now only go to Davos if a bilateral meeting with US president Donald Trump is scheduled, according to Axios.
Zelensky told reporters “everything can change at any moment” as the priority remains “to end this war”.
He said Ukraine and the US were “almost finished” preparations for prosperity package but there was room for Trump to do more in making Putin stop the war. He added that Ukraine, as well as Russia, had been invited to join Trump’s “board of peace”, but felt it was hard to imagine how Kyiv and Moscow could be on the same board.
It comes as more than 335,000 residents in Kyiv were left without electricity after Russian airstrikes overnight. Ukraine’s air force reported that Moscow launched 339 drones and 33 missiles, targeting the capital.
Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha called the “Putin’s barbaric strike” a “wake up call to world leaders gathering in Davos.”
Ukraine announces new air defence system as it braces for ‘massive’ Russian strikes
Former Archbishop of Canterbury: Putin is a heretic – he has no holy mission in Ukraine
Drone strikes cut power to over 200,000 homes in Russian-occupied Ukraine, local official says
Union boss ‘held up communist flag alongside people singing pro-Russia chants in occupied Ukraine’
Key Points
- Trump confirms he has invited Putin to join Gaza 'board of peace'
- Zelensky cancels Davos trip
- Hundreds of thousands without electricity in Kyiv after huge airstrike overnight
- Ukraine announces new air defence system in face of massive Russian attacks
- Russia is preparing to attack nuclear plant infrastructure, says Ukraine
Zelensky pays tribute to defenders of Donetsk Airport
17:30 , Bryony GoochZelensky has issued a tribute to the defenders of Donetsk Airport.
He said: “Every year on this day, January 20, we remember the defenders of Donetsk Airport. People who held their position for 242 days, never surrendered, and endured encirclement and constant attacks.
“They were called Cyborgs, yet they were simply showing the very best of the Ukrainian character, the Ukrainian heart, and the Ukrainian spirit – not to give up, to fight the occupier, and to astonish the world with what Ukraine is capable of.
“These are exactly the people we must support. We are grateful to everyone standing with Ukraine. We thank everyone who is helping us.”
Every year on this day, January 20, we remember the defenders of Donetsk Airport. People who held their position for 242 days, never surrendered, and endured encirclement and constant attacks.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 20, 2026
They were called Cyborgs, yet they were simply showing the very best of the Ukrainian… pic.twitter.com/QfvkohYBWF
Pictured: Putin attends a meeting with the Head of the Republic of Adygea, Murat Kumpilov, at the Kremlin
17:00 , Bryony Gooch
Chernobyl connected to country's power grid after Russia's latest strike
16:30 , Bryony GoochUkraine's Chernobyl nuclear power plant has been connected to the country's power grid following an overnight Russian air attack on Ukrainian energy facilities, and radiation levels are normal, Kyiv's energy ministry said on Monday.
The International Atomic Energy Agency had earlier said the facility, the site of the world's worst civil nuclear catastrophe, lost all off-site power after the attack.
Moscow court throws out prosecutors' bid to seize US fund's assets
16:00 , Bryony GoochA Moscow court dismissed on Tuesday a motion by prosecutors to seize the assets of US private equity fund NCH Capital in Russia, the Interfax news agency said, as Russian and US representatives were due to sit down for talks in the Swiss resort of Davos.
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the Russian authorities have confiscated or placed under state management assets worth some $50 billion belonging to foreign and Russian owners, with courts generally backing the state's claims.
Prosecutors filed a lawsuit against NCH Capital and its founders, George Rohr, a US citizen, and Moris Tabacinic, an Austrian citizen, seeking to ban NCH's activities in Russia on the grounds that the founders funded Ukraine's military forces.
Watch: Russia reeling from 'snow apocalypse' as record snowfall buries towns
15:30 , Bryony GoochLavrov says Britain should no longer be called 'great'
15:00 , Bryony GoochRussian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that Britain should no longer be called Great Britain as it was the only country in the world to officially name itself "Great".
"I think that Britain should be called simply Britain because 'Great Britain' is the only example of a country which calls itself 'Great'," Lavrov told reporters as he spoke about colonialism following comments on Greenland. His spokeswoman then gave Ivor Bennett, a correspondent from Britain's Sky News, a question.
"No offence," Lavrov said.
Lavrov said another example of a country which called itself "great" was the "Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya" led by Muammar Gaddafi.
"But it no longer exists."
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is usually called "Velikobritaniya", or Great Britain, in Russian.
Strikes on energy infrastructure creates 'brutal conditions inside Ukraine' warns international law foundation
14:30 , Bryony GoochWayne Jordash KC, president of Global Rights Compliance, has warned of Russia’s calculated weaponisation of infrastructure during the Ukraine’s harshest winter since the start of the full-scale invasion.
He said: "Russia's widespread and systematic strikes on Ukrainian civilian energy infrastructure are creating brutal conditions inside Ukraine during the freezing winter, with temperatures more severe than usual.
“These callous attacks bear the clear hallmarks of inhumane acts constituting crimes against humanity, and they are certainly war crimes, intentionally condemning many of Ukraine's civilian population to cold, dark conditions for most of the day and night.
“Electricity, heating, and water are essential, not only for household tasks such as cooking, washing, and keeping households warm, but to ensure the safety of children, the elderly and the handicapped at home and in healthcare who are particularly at risk from the cold and the deprivation.
“Russia’s continued weaponisation of infrastructure is part of a calculated plan to fracture communities, paralyse Ukraine’s economy, and push the population to the brink. As anybody who knows Ukrainians, it will not work. But Ukraine’s European allies must ramp up their support with urgent energy aid packages to enable the country to weather these cruel attacks and avoid a catastrophic humanitarian crisis."
Ukraine captures Russian soldier who 'executed nine Ukrainian POWs'
14:00 , Arpan RaiUkraine’s Security Service (SBU) has captured a Russian soldier accused of allegedly shooting and killing nine Ukrainian prisoners of war in Kursk oblast in October 2024, Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Zelensky shared the report after his briefing with SBU’s first deputy chief Oleksandr Poklad yesterday.
“The Russian serviceman responsible for the execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war in October of last year in the Kursk region has been taken captive,” Zelensky said. “Every Russian murderer must be held accountable for their actions. And so it will be. We are also countering Russian sabotage in the rear,” he said.
Ukraine’s prosecutor general’s office started investigation into reports of Russian soldiers killing Ukrainian soldiers who surrendered as prisoners, in violation of Geneva Convention on war crimes.
A report by Oleksandr Poklad. The Russian serviceman responsible for the execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war in October of last year in the Kursk region has been taken captive. Every Russian murderer must be held accountable for their actions. And so it will be. We are also… pic.twitter.com/s4knYGUAEj
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 19, 2026
Watch: Trump says Putin invited to ‘Board of Peace’, threatens 200% tariffs on French wine over Macron stance
13:30 , Bryony GoochIn pictures: Ukrainian servicemen shoot down a Russian missile during a strike
13:00 , Bryony Gooch
Recap: Russia goads Trump on in his Greenland spat with Europe
12:40 , Arpan RaiRussia is watching with glee as US president Donald Trump's threats to take control of Greenland widen a split with his European allies.
The Kremlin said Trump would "go down in history" if he took control of Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory.
"There are international experts who believe that by resolving the issue of Greenland's incorporation, Trump will certainly go down in history. And not only in the history of the United States, but also in world history," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.
“It's hard not to agree with these experts,” he said.
President Vladimir Putin's special envoy Kirill Dmitriev hailed the "collapse of the transatlantic union”, while former president Dmitry Medvedev joked about Europe getting poorer.
Russia has been muted in its criticism of Trump in recent weeks as it seeks to ensure any end to the war in Ukraine is defined on Moscow's terms, even though he has carried out or threatened military activity against traditional Russian allies Venezuela and Iran.
Ukraine, Europe should create joint defence force of up to 3 mln, Zelensky says
12:03 , Bryony GoochUkraine and Europe should create joint defence forces of up to three million people, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday.
Zelensky said in a WhatsApp media chat with journalists that he had initially raised the issue of the need for joint defence forces last year due to the threat from Russia, which plans to increase its armed forces to 2.5 million people by 2030.
Recap: Zelensky warns of 'large-scale attack' in coming days
12:00 , Arpan RaiVolodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia is preparing a large-scale attack on Ukraine in the coming days.
"In the coming days, we must remain extremely vigilant – Russia has prepared for a strike, a large-scale strike, and is waiting for the moment to carry it out,” the Ukrainian president said in his nightly video address.
“Please pay attention to all air-raid warnings, and every region must be ready to respond as quickly as possible and support people."
Trump says Europe should focus on Ukraine war, not Greenland
11:30 , Arpan RaiDonald Trump has said his European counterparts should focus their attentions on the war in Ukraine rather than his attempts to seize control of Greenland from Denmark.
“Europe ought to focus on the war with Russia and Ukraine because, frankly, you see what that’s gotten them,” Trump told NBC News. “That’s what Europe should focus on – not Greenland,” he said.
On being asked if he will implement his plans to punish European countries with his tariffs if a Greenland deal fails to go through, Trump said: “I will, 100%.”
His remarks come after Sir Keir Starmer said it was “completely wrong” for Trump to threaten tariffs against countries who oppose his attempts to take control of Greenland.
The PM said the dispute over Greenland, which Mr Trump wants to take over because of its strategic Arctic location and mineral wealth, should be resolved through “calm discussion between allies” rather than by military action or a trade war.
Breaking: Zelensky cancels Davos trip
11:13 , Bryony GoochVolodymyr Zelensky has said he is staying in Kyiv following strikes, cancelling plans to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos. He has added his attendance at Davos is conditional on whether documents with the US are ready for signing.
Ukraine’s president said Ukraine and the US were “almost finished” preparations for prosperity package but there was room for Trump to do more in making Vladimir Putin stop the war.
He said Ukraine was invited to join Donald Trump’s “board of peace” and diplomats are working, but it was hard to imagine how Kyiv and Moscow could be on the same board.
Ukraine unveils new air defence system amid fears of ‘massive’ strikes
11:00 , Bryony Gooch
Ukraine announces new air defence system as it braces for ‘massive’ Russian strikes
Zelensky undecided about travelling to Davos due to uncertainty around Trump meeting
10:30 , Bryony GoochPresident Volodymyr Zelensky has not decided yet on travelling to Davos as the US has not made clear if a substantive meeting with President Donald Trump will happen, a Ukrainian official said on Tuesday. Ukraine would be ready to sign the documents on security guarantees or prosperity if the US side is ready, the official said.
Russia is preparing to attack nuclear plant infrastructure, says Ukraine
10:00 , Arpan RaiRussia is preparing for more strikes on Ukraine’s energy facilities, including those that ensure smooth operations of nuclear power plants, Ukrainian energy minister Denys Shmyhal said.
“Just had an important conversation with @rafaelmgrossi. I informed him about [Russia's] preparations for another massive attack on energy infrastructure, including facilities and networks that ensure the operation of NPPs (nuclear power plants).
"We agreed to jointly hear briefings from the heads of [Ukrainian] NPPs and the leaders of @IAEAorg missions in the near future," he said on X.
Shmyhal said the UN nuclear watchdog IAEA - an intergovernmental agency that promotes the safe use of nuclear energy - was working to send a new expert mission to Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, including to the Zaporizhzhia plant, which is currently occupied by Russia.
Poland reopens airports in Rzeszow and Lublin after temporary closure
09:40 , Bryony GoochRzeszow and Lublin airports in eastern Poland reopened on Tuesday morning after they temporarily suspended operations in order to allow military planes to operate freely, the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PANSA) said.
Military aircraft were conducting routine operations in Poland on Tuesday and there was no threat to Polish airspace, Ewa Zlotnicka, a spokesperson for the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces said.
She declined to comment on what kind of aircraft were used.
Russia says it has yet to get documents after latest US, Europe talks on Ukraine
09:30 , Bryony GoochRussian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that Moscow had not yet received any documents after recent talks between the United States and European countries on Ukraine. Lavrov made the comment at a news conference in Moscow.
Hundreds of thousands without electricity in Kyiv after huge airstrike overnight
09:20 , Bryony GoochMore than 335,000 residents in Ukraine's capital Kyiv were left without electricity after Russian airstrikes overnight, private energy company DTEK said on Tuesday. DTEK added on the Telegram messaging app that power had been since restored for 162,000 households in Kyiv, while 173,000 remain without electricity.
Over 5,600 buildings in Kyiv without power, says mayor Klitschko
09:00 , Arpan RaiAt least 5,635 multi-storey buildings in Kyiv are without heat and water supply after a major Russian missile and drone attack, mayor Vitali Klitschko said.
Klitschko said energy companies were working to restore heat, water and electricity supply to these civilian households.
Russian forces carried out a major overnight attack on Kyiv with a combined drone and missile onslaught, officials reported in the early hours of today.
Explosions rocked the Ukrainian capital around 2am, followed by a warning from the Ukraine Air Force stating that Russian ballistic missiles were headed for the capital, reported Kyiv Independent.
The Air Force also issued an additional ballistic missile warning for Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Vinnytsia oblasts shortly after. It added that Russian forces have launched MiG-31 bombers, which are carriers of Russian Kinzhal hypersonic missiles.
Around 5am local time, the Air Force said a second wave of Russian drones was later seen headed for the city, while missiles were reported to be approaching Kyiv around 6.30am local time.
Russia strike with 372 missiles and drones in 'significant' attack
08:30 , Bryony GoochRussia struck Ukraine with 339 drones and 33 missiles in an overnight attack targeting Kyiv.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said: “The day before this strike, we finally received the necessary missiles, which helped significantly. Every support package matters. Missiles for Patriots, NASAMS, and other air defense systems are critically needed.
“The direct task of our entire diplomatic system is to ensure that Ukraine has sufficient air defense capabilities. And partners must not fail to deliver on this – air defense missiles are real protection for human life.”
Ukraine foreign minister calls on urgent support for Ukraine after 'barbaric strike'
08:15 , Bryony GoochUkraine's foreign minister called on Tuesday for urgent support for Ukraine, including air defence and sanctions pressure on Russia, saying Moscow's latest "barbaric strike" was a wake-up call to world leaders gathering in Davos.
"We need urgent additional energy assistance, air defence and interceptors, as well as sanctions pressure on Moscow," Andrii Sybiha said in a post on X, adding that thousands of houses were without heating in capital Kyiv in freezing temperatures.
Ukraine announces new air defence system in face of massive Russian attacks
08:00 , Arpan RaiUkraine is introducing a new facet of air defence to transform its system as it faces a sustained wave of nightly Russian attacks, Volodymyr Zelensky announced.
The war-hit nation is reeling from an unusually strong period of Russian airstrikes that have knocked out power and heating to thousands of apartment blocks, particularly in the capital Kyiv.
President Zelensky has repeatedly called for air defences to be strengthened, including increased assistance from Ukraine's Western allies.
Zelensky also announced the appointment of a new deputy Air Force Commander, Pavlo Yelizarov, to oversee and develop the innovation.
“There will be a new approach to the use of air defences by the Air Force, concerning mobile fire groups, interceptor drones and other 'short-range' air defence assets," he said in his nightly video address.
“The system will be transformed,” he said.
Ukraine announces new air defence system as it braces for ‘massive’ Russian strikes
UN nuclear watchdog says local ceasefire helps power restoration at Zaporizhzhia plant
07:45 , Arpan RaiThe UN nuclear watchdog said the 330-kilovolt (kV) Ferosplavna-1 line was reconnected to Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant after a ceasefire was observed in the area.
The Ferosplavna-1 line is one of two high-voltage lines supplying electricity to the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, and was disconnected earlier this month.
"The 330 kV Ferosplavna-1 back up line was reconnected to Ukraine’s ZNPP at 19:17 local time today after successful repair work was carried out by Ukrainian technicians under an IAEA-brokered ceasefire," the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a post on X.
Ukrainian minister blames 'war criminal Putin' ahead of Davos summit
07:38 , Arpan RaiWorld leaders gathering in Davos for the World Economic Forum should see Russia's latest attacks on Kyiv as a wake up call from Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said on X this morning.
“Thousands of houses are without heating in Kyiv at -15°C outside, following Russia’s mass strike overnight. War criminal Putin continues to wage a genocidal war against women, children, and elderly,” he wrote in a post.
Citing strikes on several regions and stating that “resilience of the Ukrainian people cannot be an excuse for this war to continue”, Sybiha said the war “must end as soon as possible”.
“Putin’s barbaric strike this morning is a wake up call to world leaders gathering in Davos: support for the Ukrainian people is urgent; there will be no peace in Europe without a lasting peace for Ukraine; peace can only be achieved through strength; we need urgent additional energy assistance, air defense and interceptors, as well as sanctions pressure on Moscow,” he said.
Thousands of houses are without heating in Kyiv at -15°C outside, following Russia’s mass strike overnight.
— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) January 20, 2026
War criminal Putin continues to wage a genocidal war against women, children, and elderly.
Strikes on Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Dnipro, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Poltava, Sumy, and… pic.twitter.com/7mooXRCWpS
Trump confirms he has invited Putin to join Gaza 'board of peace'
07:26 , Arpan RaiUS president Donald Trump said he has invited his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to be a member of his “Board of Peace” initiative aimed at resolving global conflict.
“He’s been invited,” Trump told reporters, without detailing if the Russian leader has responded to or accepted his invite.
Donald Trump has sought to recruit dozens of world leaders to roles on his board, including Tony Blair, as part of phase two of an ambitious peace plan to end the Israel-Hamas war and rebuild Gaza.
The Kremlin first reported the development yesterday, claiming Putin had been approached.
“Putin received an invitation through diplomatic channels to join the board of peace,” the Russian president’s longtime press secretary Dmitry Peskov announced, adding: “We are studying all the details of this proposal, including hoping to contact the American side to clarify all the nuances.”
Over 5,600 buildings in Kyiv without power, says mayor Klitschko
06:46 , Arpan RaiAt least 5,635 multi-storey buildings in Kyiv are without heat and water supply after a major Russian missile and drone attack, mayor Vitali Klitschko said.
Klitschko said energy companies were working to restore heat, water and electricity supply to these civilian households.
Russian forces carried out a major overnight attack on Kyiv with a combined drone and missile onslaught, officials reported in the early hours of today.
Explosions rocked the Ukrainian capital around 2am, followed by a warning from the Ukraine Air Force stating that Russian ballistic missiles were headed for the capital, reported Kyiv Independent.
The Air Force also issued an additional ballistic missile warning for Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Vinnytsia oblasts shortly after. It added that Russian forces have launched MiG-31 bombers, which are carriers of Russian Kinzhal hypersonic missiles.
Around 5am local time, the Air Force said a second wave of Russian drones was later seen headed for the city, while missiles were reported to be approaching Kyiv around 6.30am local time.
Poland temporarily suspends operations at eastern airports
06:22 , Arpan RaiPolish authorities have temporarily suspended operations at the Rzeszow and Lublin airports in order to allow military planes to operate freely, the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (Pansa) said this morning.
"In connection with the need to ensure freedom of action for military aviation, airports in Rzeszow and Lublin have suspended flight operations," the agency on X.
Watch: Trump says Putin invited to ‘Board of Peace’
06:16 , Arpan RaiRussia goads Trump on in his Greenland spat with Europe
06:12 , Arpan RaiRussia is watching with glee as US president Donald Trump's threats to take control of Greenland widen a split with his European allies.
The Kremlin said Trump would "go down in history" if he took control of Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory.
"There are international experts who believe that by resolving the issue of Greenland's incorporation, Trump will certainly go down in history. And not only in the history of the United States, but also in world history," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.
“It's hard not to agree with these experts,” he said.
President Vladimir Putin's special envoy Kirill Dmitriev hailed the "collapse of the transatlantic union”, while former president Dmitry Medvedev joked about Europe getting poorer.
Russia has been muted in its criticism of Trump in recent weeks as it seeks to ensure any end to the war in Ukraine is defined on Moscow's terms, even though he has carried out or threatened military activity against traditional Russian allies Venezuela and Iran.
Trump says Europe should focus on Ukraine war, not Greenland
05:46 , Arpan RaiDonald Trump has said his European counterparts should focus their attentions on the war in Ukraine rather than his attempts to seize control of Greenland from Denmark.
“Europe ought to focus on the war with Russia and Ukraine because, frankly, you see what that’s gotten them,” Trump told NBC News. “That’s what Europe should focus on – not Greenland,” he said.
On being asked if he will implement his plans to punish European countries with his tariffs if a Greenland deal fails to go through, Trump said: “I will, 100%.”
His remarks come after Sir Keir Starmer said it was “completely wrong” for Trump to threaten tariffs against countries who oppose his attempts to take control of Greenland.
The PM said the dispute over Greenland, which Mr Trump wants to take over because of its strategic Arctic location and mineral wealth, should be resolved through “calm discussion between allies” rather than by military action or a trade war.
Trump’s obsession with Greenland is a victory for no one but Putin
05:25 , Arpan RaiAll eyes are on Greenland. And that is exactly what Vladimir Putin wants. Russia’s president must be rubbing his hands and giggling with glee as he watches the president of the United States of America deliver the kind of strategic effect for Russia that a KGB colonel could only dream of.
Donald Trump’s peevish narcissism is Russia’s greatest asset. And while the US president’s myopic view of Greenland dominates geopolitics, it distracts from what is going on thousands of miles away to the east.
Unable to get Ukraine to agree to surrender more than a fifth of its territory to Putin’s army, even after he attempted to hamstring Kyiv’s defence by cutting all military aid, Trump has found that his power over Ukraine has dwindled.
World affairs editor Sam Kiley writes:
Trump’s obsession with Greenland is a victory for no one but Putin
Trump confirms he has invited Putin to join Gaza 'board of peace'
05:13 , Arpan RaiUS president Donald Trump said he has invited his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to be a member of his “Board of Peace” initiative aimed at resolving global conflict.
“He’s been invited,” Trump told reporters, without detailing if the Russian leader has responded to or accepted his invite.
Donald Trump has sought to recruit dozens of world leaders to roles on his board, including Tony Blair, as part of phase two of an ambitious peace plan to end the Israel-Hamas war and rebuild Gaza.
The Kremlin first reported the development yesterday, claiming Putin had been approached.
“Putin received an invitation through diplomatic channels to join the board of peace,” the Russian president’s longtime press secretary Dmitry Peskov announced, adding: “We are studying all the details of this proposal, including hoping to contact the American side to clarify all the nuances.”
Putin invited to join Trump’s ‘board of peace’ for Gaza, Kremlin claims
Russia is preparing to attack nuclear plant infrastructure, says Ukraine
04:35 , Arpan RaiRussia is preparing for more strikes on Ukraine’s energy facilities, including those that ensure smooth operations of nuclear power plants, Ukrainian energy minister Denys Shmyhal said.
“Just had an important conversation with @rafaelmgrossi. I informed him about [Russia's] preparations for another massive attack on energy infrastructure, including facilities and networks that ensure the operation of NPPs (nuclear power plants).
"We agreed to jointly hear briefings from the heads of [Ukrainian] NPPs and the leaders of @IAEAorg missions in the near future," he said on X.
Shmyhal said the UN nuclear watchdog IAEA - an intergovernmental agency that promotes the safe use of nuclear energy - was working to send a new expert mission to Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, including to the Zaporizhzhia plant, which is currently occupied by Russia.
Russia claims two settlements in Ukraine
04:00 , Alex CroftRussia claimed to have taken control of two settlements in Ukraine on Monday.
The defence ministry said forces had taken Pavlivka, in the Zaporizhzhia region, and Novopavlivka, in the Donetsk region.
The Independent could not independently verify the battlefield report.
UN nuclear watchdog says local ceasefire helps power restoration at Zaporizhzhia plant
03:54 , Arpan RaiThe UN nuclear watchdog said the 330-kilovolt (kV) Ferosplavna-1 line was reconnected to Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant after a ceasefire was observed in the area.
The Ferosplavna-1 line is one of two high-voltage lines supplying electricity to the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, and was disconnected earlier this month.
"The 330 kV Ferosplavna-1 back up line was reconnected to Ukraine’s ZNPP at 19:17 local time today after successful repair work was carried out by Ukrainian technicians under an IAEA-brokered ceasefire," the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a post on X.
Ukraine captures Russian soldier who 'executed nine Ukrainian POWs'
03:34 , Arpan RaiUkraine’s Security Service (SBU) has captured a Russian soldier accused of allegedly shooting and killing nine Ukrainian prisoners of war in Kursk oblast in October 2024, Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Zelensky shared the report after his briefing with SBU’s first deputy chief Oleksandr Poklad yesterday.
“The Russian serviceman responsible for the execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war in October of last year in the Kursk region has been taken captive,” Zelensky said. “Every Russian murderer must be held accountable for their actions. And so it will be. We are also countering Russian sabotage in the rear,” he said.
Ukraine’s prosecutor general’s office started investigation into reports of Russian soldiers killing Ukrainian soldiers who surrendered as prisoners, in violation of Geneva Convention on war crimes.
A report by Oleksandr Poklad. The Russian serviceman responsible for the execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war in October of last year in the Kursk region has been taken captive. Every Russian murderer must be held accountable for their actions. And so it will be. We are also… pic.twitter.com/s4knYGUAEj
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 19, 2026
Watch: Zelensky warns of 'large-scale' Russian attack in coming days
03:21 , Arpan RaiRussia attacks Kyiv with drones and missiles overnight
03:03 , Arpan RaiRussian forces have carried out a major overnight attack on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv with a combined drone and missile onslaught, officials reported in the early hours today.
The attack has triggered cuts in power and water supplies, at a time Ukraine is reeling under its worst winter attack from Russian forces.
Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said a strike on the east bank of the Dnipro river had disrupted both power and water supplies. A non-residential building had been hit and one person injured, he said.
Unofficial Telegram news channels posted photos of darkened high-rise apartment buildings.
Tymur Tkachenko, head of the capital's military administration, said a storage area had been damaged and several cars set ablaze.
Ukraine announces new air defence system in face of massive Russian attacks
02:58 , Arpan RaiUkraine is introducing a new facet of air defence to transform its system as it faces a sustained wave of nightly Russian attacks, Volodymyr Zelensky announced.
The war-hit nation is reeling from an unusually strong period of Russian airstrikes that have knocked out power and heating to thousands of apartment blocks, particularly in the capital Kyiv.
President Zelensky has repeatedly called for air defences to be strengthened, including increased assistance from Ukraine's Western allies.
Zelensky also announced the appointment of a new deputy Air Force Commander, Pavlo Yelizarov, to oversee and develop the innovation.
“There will be a new approach to the use of air defences by the Air Force, concerning mobile fire groups, interceptor drones and other 'short-range' air defence assets," he said in his nightly video address.
“The system will be transformed,” he said.
Ukraine announces new air defence system as it braces for ‘massive’ Russian strikes
'We recognise Trump's role in pushing for Ukraine ceasefire', says Starmer
02:00 , Alex CroftSir Keir Starmer praised Trump for his role in pushing for a ceasefire in Ukraine during a press conference this morning to address the spiralling situation in Greenland.
He reiterated the importance of the UK-US relationship and urged calm in resolving differences on the Danish territory.
European partners have been threatened with fresh US tariffs over their support for Denmark.
Poland to hike gas transmission to Ukraine as Russia ramps up strikes on energy infrastructrure
01:00 , Alex CroftPolish pipeline operator Gaz-System will increase gas transmission capacity to Ukraine between February and April, it said in a statement on Monday.
Russia has been attacking Ukraine's energy sector on an almost daily basis since last year, targeting electricity producers and transmission systems as well as gas production and transportation facilities.
Gaz-System said it was increasing the total capacity of gas transported to Ukraine to 720,000 cubic metres per hour from 600,000 cubic metres per hour.
Energy grid restoration works 'complicated' due to constant Russian strikes, says Zelensky
00:00 , Alex CroftZelensky warns of 'large-scale attack' in coming days
Monday 19 January 2026 23:29 , Alex CroftVolodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia is preparing a large-scale attack on Ukraine in the coming days.
"In the coming days, we must remain extremely vigilant – Russia has prepared for a strike, a large-scale strike, and is waiting for the moment to carry it out,” the Ukrainian president said in his nightly video address.
“Please pay attention to all air-raid warnings, and every region must be ready to respond as quickly as possible and support people."
In the coming days, we must remain extremely vigilant—Russia has prepared for a massive strike and is waiting for the moment to carry it out. Please pay close attention to air raid alerts. Every region must be ready to respond quickly and support our people. pic.twitter.com/eC5mH7QmMc
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 19, 2026
Ukraine transforms air defence system to face huge Russian attacks
Monday 19 January 2026 23:11 , Alex CroftUkraine's armed forces are transforming their air defence, bringing in a new system made up of small groups deploying interceptor drones, as the country braces for new mass Russian attacks, president Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday.
Ukraine is still reeling from a wave of Russian strikes earlier this month that knocked out power and heating to thousands of apartment blocks, particularly in the capital Kyiv.
"There will be a new approach to the use of air defences by the Air Force, concerning mobile fire groups, interceptor drones and other 'short-range' air defence assets," Mr Zelensky said in his nightly video address.
"The system will be transformed."
The president announced the appointment of a new deputy Air Force Commander, Pavlo Yelizarov, to oversee and develop the innovation.
Ukraine has rapidly developed its drone manufacturing system since Russia launched its invasion of its smaller neighbour in February 2022, and has emphasised interceptor drones as an effective and economical way to parry Russian strikes.
In his remarks, Mr Zelensky warned Ukrainians to be "extremely vigilant" ahead of anticipated new Russian attacks.
Nuclear watchdog says power reconnected to Zaporizhzhia plant
Monday 19 January 2026 23:07 , Alex CroftThe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Monday that the 330-kilovolt (kV) Ferosplavna-1 line was reconnected to Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Reuters is reporting.
The Ferosplavna-1 line is one of two high-voltage lines supplying electricity to the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, and was disconnected earlier this month.
"The 330 kV Ferosplavna-1 back up line was reconnected to Ukraine’s ZNPP at 19:17 local time today after successful repair work was carried out by Ukrainian technicians under an IAEA-brokered ceasefire," IAEA said.
Recap: What happened on Monday?
Monday 19 January 2026 22:00 , James Reynolds- Ukraine recorded continued Russian strikes on energy infrastructure nationwide. One person was hurt in Odesa.
- Poland said it would hike gas transmission to Ukraine from next Monday to help correct a shortfall in power.
- The Kremlin said that Vladimir Putin was among the leaders invited to join Donald Trump’s so-called Board of Peace.
- Sources told Reuters that Vladimir Putin’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev will travel to Davos this week for meetings with members of the US delegation.
- Keir Starmer said he recognised Trump’s role in pushing for a ceasefire in Ukraine as tensions between Washington and Europe were inflamed by rhetoric over the future of Greenland.
President of Peace? How Donald Trump’s claims to have ended eight wars in his second term fall apart
Monday 19 January 2026 21:00 , James ReynoldsThe US president believes he has resolved enough global conflicts to have earned him a Nobel Peace Prize.
James C. Reynolds and Alex Croft report on how his boasts stand up to scrutiny:
President of Peace? How Donald Trump’s claims to have ended eight wars fall apart
Recap: Russia prepares possible strikes on nuclear plants' power supply, Kyiv says
Monday 19 January 2026 20:00 , James ReynoldsUkraine's Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Monday that he had informed the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency about Russian preparations for more strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities, including those that ensure the operations of nuclear plants.
Shmyhal said on the Telegram app that the IAEA - an intergovernment agency that promotes the safe use of nuclear energy - was working to send a new expert mission to Ukraine's nuclear power plants, including to the Zaporizhzhia plant, which is currently occupied by Russia.
Will Davos make the difference?
Monday 19 January 2026 19:00 , James ReynoldsUkraine’s top negotiator Rustem Umerov said on Sunday that talks with US officials would continue at the World Economic Forum opening this week in the Swiss resort of Davos.
It was unclear whether two days of talks in Florida about security guarantees and a post-war recovery plan had produced any solid agreements. But Ukraine’s Zelensky said that he hoped that proposals would be signed this coming week.
Both Zelensky and Trump are set to attend the forum. Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said on Monday afternoon he had arrived and briefed his Swiss counterpart on the situation in Ukraine, including peace talks.
Sources told Reuters that Vladimir Putin’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev would also travel to Davos this week for meetings with members of the US delegation.
Separately, Danish officials were to skip the forum amid the intensifying dispute over Greenland, Bloomberg News reported on Monday.
Recap: What happened on Monday?
Monday 19 January 2026 18:00 , James Reynolds- Ukraine recorded continued Russian strikes on energy infrastructure nationwide. One person was hurt in Odesa.
- Poland said it would hike gas transmission to Ukraine from next Monday to help correct a shortfall in power.
- The Kremlin said that Vladimir Putin was among the leaders invited to join Donald Trump’s so-called Board of Peace.
- Sources told Reuters that Vladimir Putin’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev will travel to Davos this week for meetings with members of the US delegation.
- Keir Starmer said he recognised Trump’s role in pushing for a ceasefire in Ukraine as tensions between Washington and Europe were inflamed by rhetoric over the future of Greenland.
Kremlin claims Putin was invited to join Trump’s ‘board of peace’ for Gaza
Monday 19 January 2026 17:00 , James ReynoldsVladimir Putin has been invited to join Donald Trump’s “board of peace”, the Kremlin claimed on Monday, adding that it was seriously studying the proposal.
“Putin received an invitation through diplomatic channels to join the board of peace,” the Russian president’s longtime press secretary Dmitry Peskov announced, adding: “We are studying all the details of this proposal, including hoping to contact the American side to clarify all the nuances.”
Read the full story:
Putin invited to join Trump’s ‘board of peace’ for Gaza, Kremlin claims
Russia prepares possible strikes on nuclear plants' power supply, Kyiv says
Monday 19 January 2026 16:45 , James ReynoldsUkraine's Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Monday that he had informed the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency about Russian preparations for more strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities, including those that ensure the operations of nuclear plants.
Shmyhal said on the Telegram app that the IAEA - an intergovernment agency that promotes the safe use of nuclear energy - was working to send a new expert mission to Ukraine's nuclear power plants, including to the Zaporizhzhia plant, which is currently occupied by Russia.
Russia says power fully restored at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, RIA reports
Monday 19 January 2026 16:40 , James ReynoldsPower supply to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has been fully restored, with both of its external power lines now back in operation, the RIA news agency reported, citing Rosatom head Alexei Likhachev.
Europe should focus on Ukraine, says Trump amid Greenland row
Monday 19 January 2026 16:19 , James ReynoldsSpeaking on Monday, Donald Trump said that Europe should focus on the war in Ukraine and “not Greenland” amid a deepening rift with allies over the future of the Danish territory.
Russia strikes energy infrastructure across Ukraine, says Kyiv
Monday 19 January 2026 15:57 , James ReynoldsRussia launched a barrage of drone strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure overnight on Monday, cutting off power in five regions across the country amid freezing temperatures and high demand, Ukrainian officials said.
The Ukrainian air force said that Russian troops had launched 145 drones. Air defence units shot down 126 of them, it said.
"As of this morning, consumers in Sumy, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv regions are without power," the energy ministry said in a statement. "Emergency repair work is underway if the security situation allows."
In the southern Odesa region, energy and gas infrastructure was damaged, the regional governor said, adding that one person was hurt in the attack.
In pictures: Aftermath of Russian attack in Odesa
Monday 19 January 2026 14:57 , James Reynolds
Watch: 'Diplomacy not a priority for Russia', says Zelensky
Monday 19 January 2026 14:00 , James ReynoldsCzechia will not sell Ukraine jets to shoot down drones
Monday 19 January 2026 13:00 , James ReynoldsCzechia will not sell or donate to Ukraine light combat planes that can shoot down incoming drones, the prime minister said today, rejecting a plan outlined by president Petr Pavel.
Prime Minister Andrej Babis told a press conference that the Czech army needed the planes and they could not be provided.
"The planes are not available and we do not have any other ones," Babis said.
Pavel has been a strong supporter of Kyiv during Russia's war in Ukraine. Babis has pledged not to provide military aid to Ukraine and opted out of the financial costs of a European Union loan to Kyiv in December.
Poland to hike gas transmission to Ukraine as Russia ramps up strikes on energy infrastructrure
Monday 19 January 2026 12:30 , James ReynoldsPolish pipeline operator Gaz-System will increase gas transmission capacity to Ukraine between February and April, it said in a statement on Monday.
Russia has been attacking Ukraine's energy sector on an almost daily basis since last year, targeting electricity producers and transmission systems as well as gas production and transportation facilities.
Gaz-System said it was increasing the total capacity of gas transported to Ukraine to 720,000 cubic metres per hour from 600,000 cubic metres per hour.
Putin has no holy mission in Ukraine, former Archbishop of Canterbury tells The Independent
Monday 19 January 2026 12:00 , James ReynoldsFor years, the Russian Orthodox Church has given its blessing to Moscow’s brutal invasion and attempted to frame it in religious terms. The former archbishop tells Maira Butt that Vladimir Putin’s violence directly contradicts the message preached by Christ:
Ex-Archbishop of Canterbury: Putin is a heretic – he has no holy mission in Ukraine
Russia claims two settlements in Ukraine
Monday 19 January 2026 11:30 , James ReynoldsRussia claimed to have taken control of two settlements in Ukraine on Monday.
The defence ministry said forces had taken Pavlivka, in the Zaporizhzhia region, and Novopavlivka, in the Donetsk region.
The Independent could not independently verify the battlefield report.
Russian strikes 'damage critical infrastructure' in Ukraine
Monday 19 January 2026 11:00 , James ReynoldsA Russian missile attack damaged a critical infrastructure facility in Kharkiv, the mayor said on Monday.
"The enemy attacked a critical infrastructure facility with several missiles, causing significant damage," Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said on the Telegram messaging app.
Terekhov gave no details about the type of facility that was struck.
Kharkiv is Ukraine’s second-biggest city.
'We recognise Trump's role in pushing for Ukraine ceasefire', says Starmer
Monday 19 January 2026 10:30 , James ReynoldsSir Keir Starmer praised Trump for his role in pushing for a ceasefire in Ukraine during a press conference this morning to address the spiralling situation in Greenland.
He reiterated the importance of the UK-US relationship and urged calm in resolving differences on the Danish territory.
European partners have been threatened with fresh US tariffs over their support for Denmark.
Recap: Putin mediating in Iran
Monday 19 January 2026 10:00 , James ReynoldsThe Kremlin said today that Vladimir Putin had been invited to join Donald Trump’s Board of Peace in Gaza.
Only on Friday, the Kremlin revealed that Putin was playing a role in mediating the Iran situation, having spoken to both Israel’s Netanyahu and Iran’s Pezeshkian.
Russia has pursued closer ties with Iran since the start of its war in Ukraine, and Putin last year signed a 20-year strategic partnership pact with Pezeshkian. Moscow also has a long-established working relationship with Israel.
Kremlin: Trump would 'go down in history' if he annexes Greenland
Monday 19 January 2026 09:52 , James ReynoldsThe Kremlin said on Monday that it was hard to disagree with experts who said that US President Donald Trump would go down in world history if he took control of Greenland.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he was not discussing whether such a step would be good or bad - simply stating a fact.
Breaking: Putin invited to join Board of Peace in Gaza, says Kremlin
Monday 19 January 2026 09:42 , James ReynoldsThe Kremlin said on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been invited to join US President Donald Trump's "Board of Peace", and that Moscow is studying the proposal and hopes for contacts with Washington concerning it.
US invasion of Greenland 'would make Putin happiest man on earth', says Spanish PM
Monday 19 January 2026 09:30 , Arpan RaiSpanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez said a US invasion of Greenland "would make Putin the happiest man on earth".
Sanchez said any military action by the US against Denmark's vast Arctic island would damage Nato and "legitimise" the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
“If we focus on Greenland, I have to say that a US invasion of that territory would make Vladimir Putin the happiest man in the world. Why? Because it would legitimise his attempted invasion of Ukraine," he told La Vanguardia.
“If the United States were to use force, it would be the death knell for Nato. Putin would be doubly happy,” he said.
President Donald Trump on Saturday appeared to change tack over Greenland by vowing to implement a wave of increasing tariffs on European allies until the United States is allowed to buy Greenland.
Watch: 'Diplomacy not a priority for Russia', says Zelensky
Monday 19 January 2026 09:00 , Arpan RaiZelensky holds special energy coordination meeting
Monday 19 January 2026 08:30 , Arpan RaiVolodymyr Zelensky said he held a special energy coordination meeting yesterday, noting that the situation remains most difficult in several areas.
He said Kyiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia and the surrounding regions are the worst hit due to Russian attacks.
Ukraine needs to ramp up electricity imports and acquire additional equipment from its partners, the Ukrainian president said.
Zelensky said he has ordered a separate review in Kyiv to identify buildings that are still without heating.
“Unfortunately, there are discrepancies between city-level and government-level reports even concerning the number of such buildings. The Ministry of Energy and all central government bodies must fully engage to help people,” he said.
Zelensky says Ukraine 'doing everything they can' to restore energy
Monday 19 January 2026 08:00 , Arpan RaiUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said in a Telegram post that repairing the country's energy system remains challenging, "but we are doing everything we can to restore everything as quickly as possible".
He said two people were killed in overnight attacks across the country that struck Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipro Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi and Odesa.
More than 1,300 attack drones, 1,050 guided aerial bombs and 29 missiles of various types were used by Russia to strike Ukraine this week, he added.
"If Russia deliberately delays the diplomatic process, the world's response should be decisive: more help for Ukraine and more pressure on the aggressor," Mr Zelensky said.
He spoke the day after a Ukrainian delegation arrived in the US for talks on a US-led diplomatic push to end the war.
Kyiv will improve electricity transmission from western Ukraine to east
Monday 19 January 2026 07:52 , Arpan RaiUkraine, whose power system is under constant Russian attacks, will implement projects to improve electricity transmission from western part of the country to its power-hungry east, energy minister Denys Shmyhal said this morning.
The three operational Ukrainian nuclear power plants, which currently provide Ukraine with most of its electricity, are located in the west of the country, while eastern Ukraine previously relied on thermal power plants that have been almost completely destroyed.
Russia planning big boost in drone production, says Ukraine's top military commander
Monday 19 January 2026 07:32 , Arpan RaiRussia is showing no signs of interest in talks leading to a peace deal and is instead focusing on boosting arms production, including a target of 1,000 drones a day, Ukraine’s top military commander has said.
“On the contrary, we see an increase in intensity of military actions, an increase in the number of offensive enemy groupings, an increase in production of strike weapons, missiles and drones,” General Oleksandr Syrskyi told the online media outlet lb.ua in an interview.
“At the moment, the enemy produces daily 404 ‘Shaheds’ (Iranian-designed drones) of different kinds. And the plans are to increase that. The enemy plans to boost production significantly, up to 1,000 drones a day,” he said.
