Ukraine is developing its air defense system to intercept Russia's Oreshnik

President Volodymyr Zelensky has affirmed Ukraine's willingness to collaborate with Slovakia on energy security after halting the transit of Russian gas through its territory, a decision impacting supplies to Slovakia. During a meeting on January 17 with Michal Simecka, leader of Slovakia's Progressive Slovakia political party, Zelensky emphasized Ukraine's readiness to help Slovakia achieve energy stability. He also highlighted the importance of Slovak support for Ukraine’s path to European Union and NATO membership, particularly amidst ongoing security challenges due to the war. Zelensky acknowledged the visit of the Slovak delegation as a sign of continued support for Ukraine's sovereignty, noting that Prime Minister Robert Fico had declined an invitation to Kyiv.

The cessation of Russian gas transit, effective January 1, is part of Ukraine's strategy to stop financing Russia's war efforts. However, the move has drawn criticism from Fico and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, both of whom maintain ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Fico has threatened to limit aid to Ukrainians and cut electricity supplies in response. Meanwhile, Slovakia's political climate is tense, with opposition parties announcing plans for a no-confidence vote against Fico’s government, citing governance concerns and his pro-Russian stance. Despite these challenges, Ukraine seeks to strengthen cooperation with pro-Western Slovak leaders to ensure regional energy stability and broader European support.

Lack of medical treatment and problems with unit transfers are the most common causes of appeals - the new military ombudsman

Olha Reshetylova, recently appointed as Ukraine's military rights commissioner, has received 3,876 appeals in her first twenty days, highlighting major issues with medical treatment access and unit transfers.

In an early assessment shared on social media, Reshetylova noted that over 3,500 appeals directly relate to soldier rights, with many seeking medical advice or clarification. She pointed out that medical treatment requests and unit transfers are the primary concerns, often complicated by a shortage of personnel and misuse by some commanders. She mentioned a case where a soldier with HIV was threatened for seeking surgery.

Reshetylova is actively engaging with unit commanders to address these systemic problems, stressing that soldier health directly impacts combat effectiveness and safety. She criticized the inefficiencies in the Army+ app meant for unit transfers, noting commanders sometimes override transfer orders.
She also mentioned handling queries from families of missing POWs. The Defense Ministry established her role to better investigate and address rights violations among service members. Before this, Reshetylova led efforts at the Media Initiative for Human Rights, focusing on war crimes and policy advocacy. 

Putin congratulates Trump and says he is ready for dialogue

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Donald Trump on becoming U.S. President and expressed readiness for dialogue on Russia's war with Ukraine.
During a Security Council meeting, as reported by RIA Novosti on social media, Putin stated, "Moscow congratulates Trump on assuming office... Moscow is open to dialogue with the new US administration on the Ukrainian conflict." He stressed the objective should be a "long-lasting peace" respecting all regional peoples' interests, advocating for an "equal and mutually respectful" relationship with the U.S.
Putin also noted Russia's willingness to engage with any U.S. administration, applauding Trump's stance on preventing a Third World War. However, he affirmed Russia's commitment to advocating for its citizens' interests.