Russian forces are approaching Kupiansk's outskirts

The northeastern Ukrainian town of Kupiansk has become a critical point of conflict, now just 2 kilometers (1.5 miles) from the front line as Russian forces continue their assault, Andrii Besedin, head of Kupiansk's military administration, reported on Jan. 9 during a national television broadcast.

Russian troops have intensified their efforts in the Kupiansk area since September, advancing toward the industrial outskirts of the town. Ukrainian defenders successfully thwarted several attempts by Russian forces to enter the town in December.

“The situation is very difficult; the front line is 2 kilometers from the town's outskirts, and Russia is relentlessly trying to attack,” Besedin stated.

On Jan. 8, the Russian military launched 12 attacks targeting Holubivka and Petropavlika, settlements situated about 6 kilometers (3 miles) from Kupiansk, Besedin noted. He also highlighted Russia's attempts to gain control of the main Svatove-Kupiansk highway to access the eastern part of the town.

"The situation remains dire and poses significant risks for both the Kupiansk and Vovchansk sectors of the front line," Besedin explained. He further warned of Russia's efforts to establish a foothold in Dvorichna, located on the western bank of the Oskil River. “If they manage to transfer equipment to the western bank, it will threaten a rear assault on the Vovchansk and Kupiansk sectors,” he said.

Despite the looming danger, residents in Kupiansk appear hesitant to evacuate. According to Besedin, the Kupiansk community's 12 settlements see only about five residents leaving daily, reflecting a slow evacuation pace.

Approximately 900 residents, mostly elderly, remain in the eastern part of the community and have resisted evacuation efforts, according to the local military administration.

Russian guided aerial bomb attack on Zaporizhzhia: casualties rise to 113

As of the morning of January 9, Ivan Fedorov, Head of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration, reported on Telegram that the number of people affected by the Russian glide bomb attack on Zaporizhzhia had risen to 113, including 13 fatalities.

According to Fedorov, medical aid has been provided to 113 injured individuals, including a 13-year-old child. He added that 59 people have been hospitalized, with 10 of them in serious condition.

Slovak PM increases threats to Ukraine over its suspension of Russian gas transit

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico expanded his threats against Ukraine following Kyiv's suspension of Russian natural gas transit via Ukraine. According to Teraz.sk, citing remarks made by Fico in Brussels on January 9 after discussions with European Commission officials (as reported by European Pravda), he outlined several potential retaliatory measures.

Fico stated that Slovakia might halt all humanitarian aid to Ukraine, significantly reduce or eliminate benefits for Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia, or cease supplying electricity during emergencies. Additionally, on a political level, Slovakia could exercise its veto power on certain European Union decisions.

However, Fico emphasized that such actions would only be taken if Slovakia had "no other choice." He characterized these threats as a demonstration of how the leader of a sovereign country should act.

He also announced the immediate formation of a group involving representatives from Slovakia, the European Commission, and Ukraine to assess the consequences of halting Russian gas transit through Ukraine. According to Fico, this issue has garnered the attention of Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen.

Fico praised what he described as "constructive negotiations" with the European Commission on January 9, noting the Commission’s strong interest in resolving the matter.