Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1654: Ukraine orders a three-day ceasefire as US envoys head to Moscow, and Kyiv’s sirens sound anyway
The pause meant to smooth the way for restarted peace talks began under an air raid alert, with Russian attacks reported before it had even taken effect.
Day 1654 of the Russo-Ukrainian War sees Ukraine ordering a three-day ceasefire as American diplomats journey to Moscow, yet Kyiv's sirens blare nonetheless. The Ukrainian forces, desperate to protect Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, launch counterattacks, reinforcing the last two free cities in Donbas. Winter provides a brief pause as Ukraine's Khartiia soldiers clear 4 square kilometers near Kupiansk and Russia presses towards a crucial rail hub.
On the left bank, Russia's supply lines falter, leading to water deliveries by drone. Drones also strike fuel depots in Sochi and an explosives plant 1,300 kilometers away on the same night. Spain arms Ukraine against Russia's ballistic missiles, promising more, and orders four new Patriot systems worth $1.7 billion. Ukraine's F-16s face a shortage of Western missiles, forcing pilots to rely on their built-in M61A1 Vulcan cannon, which poses risks to civilians below.
Intelligence reveals Russia's answer to Starlink, a failed satellite system, still in orbit. Russia employs two small attack drones launched from Gerans, rarely succeeding, and hunts Kyiv by daylight. Germany suspects Russian intelligence behind an arson attack and tightens restrictions on Russian institutions and citizens. Estonia spends $81 million on shells for Ukraine but faces potential repayment of €70 million in EU funds after receiving failed ammunition.
Poland sends 350 tanks to Ukraine, with an expected refund of $500 million in 2027. Poland's veto on Hungary's two-year ban is lifted, allowing Warsaw to receive half a billion dollars.
Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies target a Prosecutor General's Office official for fraudulent call centers. The UN aviation body receives a letter from Kyiv, urging a halt to overflights of Russia, while Belgium suggests an alternative European loan. Humanitarian challenges arise as Ukraine adopts a two-tier air raid alert system amid Russia's relentless drone attacks.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 4 other outlets
- Russia hits Ukraine's security service headquarters in Kyiv, Zelenskyy says channelnewsasia.com
- Trump says envoys taking plan to ‘end the war’ to Moscow, Kyiv freemalaysiatoday.com
- Trump says envoys taking plan to 'end the war' to Moscow, Kyiv brecorder.com
- Trump says envoys taking plan to 'end the war' to Moscow, Kyiv nst.com.my
