Russian Drones Strike Kyiv

"Firefighters work at a site of a Russian drone attack in the Kyiv region, Ukraine." AJ

DRC Cuts Ties with Rwanda as M23 Rebels Threaten Goma

"The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has severed diplomatic relations with Rwanda amid escalating violence in its eastern regions. The M23 rebel group is advancing on Goma, a city of 2 million people, forcing thousands to flee their homes.

M23, a predominantly Tutsi group that emerged in 2012, has made significant territorial gains near the Rwandan border. The DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting the rebels, an allegation Rwanda denies.
The fighting has intensified in recent weeks, with M23 capturing strategic towns around Goma. At least 13 peacekeepers and foreign soldiers have died in clashes. Congolese forces, supported by UN peacekeepers and regional troops, are struggling to repel the rebel advance.....DRC government announced its decision to cut ties with Rwanda. This move underscores the severity of the crisis and the DRC’s conviction of Rwanda’s involvement. The UN Security Council has called an emergency meeting to address the situation." RioTimes

99 clashes since day-start as Ukraine repels 30 Russian attacks in Pokrovsk axis

"A total of 99 combat engagements between Ukraine’s Defense Forces and Russian invasion troops have been recorded on the frontlines since the beginning of the day. Ukrainian defenders repelled 30 attacks in the Pokrovsk direction.
In the Lyman direction, the enemy is attacking in the areas of Hrekivka, Novoiehorivka, Nadiia, Zelenyi Hai, Makiivka, Yampolivka, and Torske. Eleven clashes have been recorded there since the beginning of the day. Four of them are in progress.

In the Kramatorsk direction, near Chasiv Yar, the invaders advanced toward Ukrainian positions 13 times. They also advanced in the direction of Bila Hora. Eleven clashes out of 14 are ongoing.
In the Toretsk direction, the Russians attacked the positions of Ukrainian troops in the Toretsk area eight times. Three clashes are underway.
In the Pokrovsk direction, fierce battles are taking place in the areas of Vodiane Druhe, Myroliubivka, Yelyzavetivka, Promin, Zelene, Udachne, Kotlyne, Nadiivka, Uspenivka, Andriivka, Shevchenko, Dachne, and Yantarne. The enemy has made 38 attempts to push the Ukrainian defenders from their positions while the latter have already repelled 30 attacks.
In the Novopavlivka direction, seven clashes are ongoing in the areas of the settlements of Kostiantynopil, Rozlyv, Rozdolne, Novosilka, and Velyka Novosilka. The Ukrainian defenders have repelled four enemy assaults.
In the Siversk, Huliaypole, Orikhiv, and Prydniprovia directions, the enemy ran no active missions.
In Russia’s Kursk region, five clashes were reported. The Russians dropped 24 guided bombs on populated areas and positions of Ukrainian troops, and launched 266 artillery strikes, including four involving multiple rocket launchers." Ukrin

China tells new Sec. of State Marco Rubio to watch himself in thinly-veiled warning

"During his first phone call with newly minted Secretary of State Marco Rubio, longtime Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi issued a veiled warning, behave yourself.
Wang made the comments on Friday in his first phone call with Rubio since being confirmed as President Donald Trump's top diplomat for the next 4 years.
“I hope you will act accordingly,” Wang told Rubio, according to a Foreign Ministry statement, employing a Chinese phrase typically used by a teacher or a boss warning a student or employee to behave and be responsible for their actions." MS

South Korean president indicted

"South Korean prosecutors have formally indicted President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of leading an insurrection during his brief imposition of martial law last month, local media reported on Sunday. Yoon, who was impeached on December 14, faces accusations of abusing power and undermining democratic institutions." RT

Russia downs 15 Ukrainian drones over Russia and he Black Sea

"Russia’s Ministry of Defense said its air defense systems destroyed 15 Ukrainian drones over Russia and two sea drones in the Black Sea." AJ

Zelensky explains ban on talks with Moscow

"Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky has explained that he banned negotiations with Russia in order to prevent what he called “separatist” talks outside official government oversight. Russia tried to reach out to Kiev through various intermediaries, including Ukrainian lawmakers, European parliamentarians, US contacts, and even ordinary people, he claimed in comments to journalists." RT