January 3–4: Russia conducted massive missile attacks, launching at least 110 rockets on Ukrainian cities such as Kramatorsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. These strikes resulted in civilian casualties, highlighting the ongoing threat to Ukraine's critical infrastructure and residents. In response, the Ukrainian Armed Forces attacked Russian military command in central Vasylivka, reportedly killing five people and injuring fifteen, according to Russian sources.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that Russia increasingly relies on Iranian Shahed drones for its attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure. However, these drone supplies are likely running low. Ukrainian military intelligence representative Vadym Skibitsky stated that since September 2022, Russia has deployed approximately 660 such drones in Ukraine, of which 540 were shot down by Ukrainian air defenses.

January 4: Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukrainian military intelligence, announced plans for a major Ukrainian counteroffensive in the spring of 2023, involving nationwide offensive operations. This declaration underscores Ukraine's ambitions to reclaim territory occupied by Russia.

January 5: In a joint statement, U.S. President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that the United States and Germany would supply Ukraine with modern military equipment. The U.S. committed to delivering approximately 50 M2 Bradley fighting vehicles, while Germany pledged a Patriot missile system and around 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles with ammunition. According to the German government, the vehicles and ammunition are expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2023.

Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, called for a ceasefire during Orthodox Christmas services on January 6 and 7. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a 36-hour ceasefire by Russian armed forces. However, Ukraine rejected this proposal, describing it as propaganda. The ISW assessed the ceasefire as an attempt to manipulate international opinion and provide Russian forces with a pause to rest, regroup, and prepare for renewed offensives.

Acts of Ukrainian sabotage occurred in occupied Melitopol and Sevastopol, as well as within Russian territory, including in Kursk, Rostov-on-Don, and Novy Oskol, where an ammunition depot was set ablaze. These actions indicate active Ukrainian operations beyond the front line.

Belarus's Ministry of Defense announced plans to strengthen military cooperation with Russia under the so-called Union State of Russia and Belarus. Russian personnel, military equipment, and armaments will continue to be transported into Belarus. Ukraine anticipates that Russia may use Belarus as a launch point for a new ground invasion from the north.

Illustrative photo. Generated by AI