Ukraine ‘Reclaims’ Luhansk Village Martial Law In Russia In 2023

At least 10 explosions have been heard in Kyiv and several in Kharkiv Oblasts during the nationwide air raid alert. Ukrainian officials reported strikes in several regions as Russia fires wave of missiles on New Year’s eve. Ukraine's air defence claims to have shot down 12 out of 20 cruise missiles launched by Russia. The Ukrainian army says it liberated a village in Luhansk Oblast in a coordinated assault operation. Meanwhile, Kyiv has warned Russian citizens that the Kremlin is preparing a new wave of mobilisation and plans to close the border within a week. Putin has said his country would never give in to the West's attempts to use Ukraine as a tool to destroy Russia. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said victory for Russia over Ukraine was "inevitable”. The US has expressed concerns over China’s growing alignment with Russia amid the war in Ukraine.