As of January 3, there have been significant developments in both politics and the military sphere. The Office of the President of Ukraine is undergoing personnel changes, and the government is preparing for major restructuring. Meanwhile, global tensions have sharpened around Venezuela.
US President Donald Trump has announced the start of a special military operation against Venezuela. According to international media reports, powerful explosions have been heard in Caracas and military planes have flown over the city. US officials confirmed air strikes on targets including military facilities in Venezuela. In response, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro declared a state of emergency. Footage of missile strikes in Caracas, presumably involving Tomahawk missiles, has spread online.
Sky News Arabia reported that the residence of Venezuela's Minister of Defense and key sites in the capital came under attack. US strikes also targeted Margarita Island in the Caribbean, where many military facilities are located. The strikes were reportedly planned for Christmas but were postponed due to bad weather.
In Ukraine, on the night of January 3, Russian forces conducted a massive drone strike on Mykolaiv region, damaging critical infrastructure and leaving parts of the region without power. Power companies are working to restore service by the end of the day. In Kharkiv, emergency workers found the body of a woman under rubble, likely the mother of a three-year-old boy who was previously reported dead.
Politically, key appointments were made: Kyrylo Budanov is now head of the President’s Office, and Mykhailo Fedorov became the new Minister of Defense, replacing Denys Shmyhal. These moves are linked to renewed peace initiatives and security reforms.
According to Politico, Vladimir Putin is interested in a protracted war in Ukraine, despite economic pressures. The Kremlin pursues maximalist demands, and the end of the war remains uncertain.
On the frontlines, Russian forces continue regrouping and preparing for new offensives, especially in Kharkiv, Luhansk, and Sumy regions, though activity has decreased. They seek to strengthen positions in strategic areas of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia.
Internationally, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said the country can no longer financially support Ukraine, highlighting budget problems. The official EU position remains consistent: support for Ukrainian territorial integrity and ongoing cooperation.
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