On December 30, Ukraine executed a prisoner exchange with Russia, while the U.S. announced a new aid package.

On December 30, Ukraine brought back another 189 of its citizens from Russian captivity. Meanwhile, the United States announced a new military aid package for Ukraine totaling nearly $2.5 billion.

For more details about what happened on Monday, December 30, see the article from RBK-Ukraine.

Russia's War Against Ukraine: Latest News

• In the Zaporizhzhia region, GUR and OSUV "Tavria" destroyed an enemy headquarters along with the occupiers.
• Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky spoke about the record losses of the Russian Federation in the Donetsk region: the invaders are reportedly losing about 1,700 personnel killed and wounded daily.

Presidential Elections in Croatia: Pro-Russian Candidate Wins First Round, Second Round Expected

With 100% of ballots counted, the current President of Croatia, Zoran Milanović, secured victory in the first round of the presidential elections with 49.09% of the votes. His closest rival, Dragan Primorac, a former Minister of Science and candidate from the ruling Croatian Democratic Union, received 19.35%.

Since neither candidate garnered more than 50% of the votes, a second round will take place on January 12.

Fico Sent Letter to EU Leaders, Complaining About Zelensky Over Gas Transit Suspension

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico wrote a letter to the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. In the letter, he again expressed concerns over Ukraine's refusal to continue the transit of Russian gas after 2024.

He stated to EU leaders that "the tacit consent to the unilateral decision of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky is incorrect and irrational" and allegedly "will lead to tensions and retaliatory measures."

Ukraine Resumed Operations of First Three Registries Ten Days After Attack

The Ministry of Justice of Ukraine announced the resumption of work for three notarial registries. After ten days following the attack, the Unified Registry of Powers of Attorney, the Inheritance Registry, and the Unified Registry of Special Blank Notarial Documents are now operational.

Notaries can fully carry out the registration of powers of attorney, wills, and inheritance matters, as well as conduct checks of special forms.

Sibiga Made a Statement on Restoring Diplomatic Relations with Syria

"We assume that the new Syria will become a state that respects international law, particularly the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. This will pave the way for the restoration of diplomatic relations, political dialogue, and the operation of diplomatic missions. We are ready and awaiting steps from the Syrian side," noted Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga during a press conference in Damascus.

Biden Announced Nearly $2.5 Billion in Security Assistance for Ukraine

"I proudly announce nearly $2.5 billion for security assistance to Ukraine as the Ukrainian people continue to defend their independence and freedom from Russian aggression," quoted U.S. President Joe Biden, according to the White House.

Russia Reported an Attack on the Druzhba Oil Pipeline in Bryansk Region

As reported by the Russian Telegram channel Mash, the attack occurred yesterday at 4:30 AM local time. The strike, according to Russian sources, was allegedly carried out by a Ukrainian "Ad" drone. However, they claim that the pipeline itself was not affected. Nonetheless, a technical building on the premises was partially damaged as a result of the attack.

It is worth noting that Russian oil travels through the Druzhba pipeline via Belarus to European countries.

Ukraine Returned 189 Military and Civilians from Captivity

As President Volodymyr Zelensky reported, among those returned are defenders of Azovstal and Mariupol, Chernobyl, Snake Island, from various fronts.

Russians Prepare for Assault in Kherson Region and Anticipate Heavy Losses, - ATEŠ

"An agent of the 'ATEŠ' movement from the 1218th Motorized Rifle Regiment of the Russian Armed Forces reported that the command is preparing for assault actions, expecting significant personnel losses," the partisans' message states.