First Ukrainian Legion volunteers arrived in Ukraine

The Ukrainian Legion, a volunteer unit formed in Poland, has sent its first group of troops to Ukraine, according to Vasyl Bodnar, Ukraine's Ambassador to Poland. These legionnaires will continue their training at Ukrainian military facilities.

Bodnar stated in an interview with Radio Liberty, as reported by European Pravda, that the next group of volunteers will sign contracts with the Ukrainian Armed Forces on January 10 and begin training in Poland.

"This is a success story, despite efforts by some politicians or Russian propaganda to portray it negatively. While we’d like the process to move faster, progress is steady. We aim to promote awareness of this initiative across the EU and potentially in other regions," Bodnar said.

The ambassador highlighted that participation in the Ukrainian Legion is entirely voluntary, relying on individual incentives to attract recruits. He did not disclose the number of volunteers currently enlisted.

In November, it was reported that the Ukrainian Legion received over 500 applications from individuals in 30 countries. This growing international interest underscores the global support for Ukraine's defense efforts.

Russian cyberattack created a breach at 'top-level account' 

During a recent Russian cyberattack on Ukraine, hackers may have used phishing or bribed employees to breach Justice Ministry registers, according to Oleksandr Fedienko, head of Ukraine’s parliamentary subcommittee on cybersecurity. He shared these insights with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty on Dec. 23.

Phishing involves tricking employees into clicking on malicious links or downloading harmful files disguised as safe content. Fedienko noted that the breach appeared to be a well-coordinated effort, with attackers demonstrating an understanding of the servers' internal architecture and gaining access through a high-level account.

Behind the intense battles on the front lines, Ukraine and Russia are also engaged in a cyberwar targeting key government institutions and critical businesses.

Although the cyberattack caused significant disruption, Fedienko assured that the affected databases had backups, enabling their restoration within "a week or two."

Justice Minister Olha Stefanishyna confirmed on Dec. 22 that the attack had targeted several government services, including state registers under the ministry’s oversight. She stated that the assault had been in preparation for months. First Deputy Justice Minister Mykola Kucheriavenko described the incident as one of the most serious challenges the ministry has faced recently.

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) suspects Russia’s GRU military intelligence agency orchestrated the Dec. 19 cyberattack. Former Justice Minister Denys Maliuska later clarified to Ukrainska Pravda that while much of the stolen information was already publicly available, closed registers were also compromised.

Russian attacks against Ukraine killed 3 and injured 3 over past day

Russian forces killed at least three civilians and injured three others in attacks across Ukraine on Dec. 23, according to regional authorities.

Overnight, the Russian military launched 72 Shahed-type drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles, Ukraine's Air Force reported. Ukrainian air defenses successfully shot down 47 drones over nine oblasts, while 25 managed to evade interception.

In Kharkiv Oblast, a drone attack on Kupiansk left a 56-year-old man critically injured, as reported by Governor Oleh Syniehubov.

Kherson Oblast experienced widespread destruction as Russian forces attacked 28 cities and villages. Governor Oleksandr Prokudin confirmed that three people were killed and one injured in these strikes, which also damaged gas infrastructure, shops, and vehicles.

In Khmelnytskyi Oblast, one person was injured during a Shahed drone attack, regional authorities reported.

These attacks are part of ongoing Russian efforts to target Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and population centers amidst the continued conflict.

Bratislava protests over Slovak PM's visit to Putin

A protest occurred in front of the Slovak government building in Bratislava on Monday in response to Prime Minister Robert Fico's visit to Moscow, where he met Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

The public association Peace for Ukraine organized the demonstration under the slogan "Enough of Russia," aimed to oppose Fico’s meeting with Putin in the Kremlin. Organizers criticized the visit, claiming it strengthened Russian influence and facilitated cooperation with Russia, particularly concerning gas transit issues.

Protesters chanted "traitor" at Fico, expressing their discontent with his actions. The event was attended by former Slovak prime ministers Igor Matovič and Eduard Heger, opposition leaders, artists, and Ukrainian refugees.

Peace for Ukraine representatives have announced plans to file a complaint with Slovakia's Prosecutor General's Office, alleging Fico’s trip may have violated laws due to his cooperation with Russia.

After the protest, the crowd chanted slogans such as "Enough Fico" and "Glory to Ukraine," signaling their firm opposition to his recent actions.