Russian attacks damage homes and infrastructure in Kyiv and Sumy oblasts before the New Year

On the night of Dec. 30-31, Russian missile and drone attacks caused injuries and widespread damage in Kyiv and Sumy oblasts. Ukraine's Air Force reported that 21 missiles and 40 drones, including advanced Iskander and Kinzhal missiles, were launched. In Kyiv Oblast, falling debris injured a woman and damaged a house, while in the capital, wreckage landed on a home in the Darnytskyi district without causing casualties. In Sumy Oblast, strikes in Shostka damaged 12 residential buildings, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and other infrastructure, though no fatalities were reported.

Ukraine successfully intercepted six missiles and 16 drones, with an additional 24 drones failing to reach their targets. These attacks reflect Russia’s intensified aerial campaign during the holiday season, including a large-scale Christmas assault on Dec. 25 involving 78 missiles and 106 drones. President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the escalation, as Moscow shows no signs of pausing its aggression during the festive period.

Putin prioritises Russia's military power and domestic political stability

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has observed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is prioritizing military recruitment and domestic stability over addressing economic challenges and labor shortages as the country heads into 2025. On Dec. 30, Putin signed a decree requiring migrants who entered Russia illegally to legalize their status or leave by April 2025. Legalization involves health checks, passing Russian language and legal exams, clearing debts, or enlisting in the Russian military.

With Russia reportedly facing a labor deficit of 1.5 million people, the decree could exacerbate workforce shortages in critical industries like food service and transportation if migrants leave or are forced into military service. The ISW noted that whether or not this decree is enforced will signal the Kremlin’s priorities. Strict enforcement and deportations would suggest a focus on appeasing pro-war ultranationalists and mitigating security concerns linked to migrant-related crimes. Conversely, leniency would imply a greater emphasis on addressing economic labor needs over catering to nationalist pressures.

Zelenskyy signs law granting mobilisation deferral for relatives of fallen or missing soldiers

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has enacted bill No. 12104, granting a deferral from mobilization to individuals whose close relatives have died or gone missing as a result of the war. The legislation addresses legal ambiguities regarding conscription exemptions for those affected by Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine.

The amendments to Article 23 of the Law of Ukraine on Mobilisation Preparation and Mobilisation specify that both men and women whose immediate family members have lost their lives or are unaccounted for during combat operations will be exempt from conscription during a special mobilization period. This change ensures legal clarity and support for families directly impacted by the conflict.