On New Year’s Day, Russia launched over 100 drones in an attack on Ukraine, killing one and injuring at least six, including a pregnant woman. Ukraine’s air force reported shooting down 63 drones, with 46 failing to hit targets. Ukrainian officials condemned the attack, emphasizing the lack of sanctity in war. U.S. Ambassador Bridget A. Brink praised Ukraine’s air defenders and first responders. Air raid sirens in Kyiv urged residents to seek shelter as the attack unfolded. Ava Sinclair 01/01/2025 2:00 pm
Bulgaria and Romania have fully joined the Schengen area, ending ID checks at their land borders with EU countries. This follows years of negotiations and partial membership since March, which allowed open travel only by air or sea. Ceremonies marked the occasion at key border crossings. The expansion, supported by Hungary during its EU presidency, aims to ease travel and strengthen regional ties. Despite this, some Schengen countries have reinstated border checks due to security concerns, potentially undermining the free travel zone’s objectives. Penelope Kingsley 01/01/2025 10:30 am
Azerbaijan mourns a plane crash that killed 38, recalling a 2020 incident when Azerbaijan downed a Russian helicopter and took responsibility. In contrast, Russia has not fully accepted blame for the recent crash of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243, which was allegedly hit by Russian air defense. President Putin apologized but cited Ukrainian drones, while Azerbaijan demands full accountability and compensation. The incident has sparked anger in Azerbaijan over Russia’s response, with expectations for transparency similar to Azerbaijan’s past actions. Penelope Kingsley 01/01/2025 10:30 am
In Belgrade and other Serbian cities, tens of thousands, led by university students, protested on New Year’s Eve demanding political reforms and justice. This followed a tragic incident on November 1, when a concrete canopy collapse in Novi Sad killed 15 people, attributed to corruption and poor construction by Serbia’s populist leadership. The protests, under the slogan “There is No New Year — You Still Owe Us for the Old One,” included a silent tribute to the victims. The movement, supported by various societal groups, reflects discontent with President Aleksandar Vucic’s leadership. Ava Sinclair 01/01/2025 10:30 am
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) provides interactive maps of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, updated daily. These include maps of Ukraine’s offensive in Kursk Oblast and a 3D topographic map. An archive of time-lapse maps shows dynamic frontlines, updated monthly. As of December 31, 2024, Russian forces gained 4,168 square kilometers in Ukraine and Kursk Oblast, incurring over 420,000 casualties. Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported 427,000 Russian casualties in 2024. ISW will resume updates on January 2 after the New Year holiday. Noah Prescott 01/01/2025 7:00 am
Russian gas supplies to the EU via Ukraine will end as a transit deal expires. Ukraine’s President Zelensky opposes Russia profiting from the conflict. The EU claims its gas system can handle the change, though some eastern states still rely on Russian gas. Austria expects no disruption due to diversified sources. Tensions rise as Slovakia, a key transit point, threatens to cut electricity to Ukraine after its Prime Minister’s talks with Putin. Zelensky accuses Slovakia of aiding Russia, while Poland offers support to Ukraine. Noah Prescott 01/01/2025 3:30 am
A harsh winter is worsening Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, with nearly 2 million displaced people facing inadequate shelter. Many live in makeshift tents vulnerable to cold, wind, and rain. Gaza’s civil defense reports hundreds of distress calls due to flooding. The UNRWA highlights severe conditions, with at least 100 tents flooded and six babies dying from hypothermia. Aid, including blankets and clothes, awaits entry approval. Meanwhile, Israel has detained hundreds of Gaza healthcare workers, prompting human rights groups to demand their release. Penelope Kingsley 01/01/2025 3:30 am
In 2024, global warming intensified, with temperatures nearing the 1.5°C-above-preindustrial threshold. Flooding devastated regions from Africa to Spain and the U.S., driven by intensified rainfall linked to climate change. Despite activists’ efforts, COP 29 in Baku fell short on climate finance. Notable celestial events included a solar eclipse and auroras. The Great Lakes saw record-low ice coverage, and the Smokehouse Creek Fire burned over a million acres in Texas and Oklahoma. Noah Prescott 01/01/2025 3:30 am
Retired NYPD Lt. Darrin Porcher discussed NYPD’s heightened security measures for New Year’s Eve, including sniper teams, drones, and K-9 units, focusing on “lone wolf” threats. He expressed confidence in the event’s safety, citing NYPD’s experience and a consent agreement allowing access to commercial cameras in Times Square. Meanwhile, in 2024, Democrats faced setbacks with Biden’s exit and Harris’s electoral loss. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro was a strong VP contender but was overlooked, leaving Democrats to fill leadership gaps ahead of the midterms. Ava Sinclair 01/01/2025 12:00 am
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev accused Russia of downing an Azerbaijani airliner, sparking public anger and criticism from Azerbaijani media. The incident, which killed 38 and injured 29, has led to increased scrutiny of Russia’s handling and alleged cover-up. Aliyev claims the plane was struck by Russian ground fire and rendered uncontrollable. Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized, attributing the incident to air defenses targeting Ukrainian drones, but did not admit to shooting down the plane. Analysts warn this could strain Azerbaijan-Russia relations. Ava Sinclair 31/12/2024 8:30 pm
