Wednesday, January 14 – a roundup of the top news on Klochoktime. Host Kateryna Tereshchenko highlighted the latest events in Ukraine and the world.
Challenging power supply situation
Ukraine’s energy system is under serious pressure from mass Russian attacks and severe weather. Kyiv and Kyiv region face emergency blackouts with no forecasts. The government admits the toughest situation is in the capital. Social media posts show Kyivans' struggles—from frost on TVs to the city authorities asking people to prepare for total outages.
Record detentions on the Belarus border
Journalists report a 356-fold increase in detentions of conscription-age men attempting to cross into Belarus in two years (from 4 to 1,424). This route now tops the list of those trying to avoid mobilization, surpassing Poland. Smuggling schemes promising passage circulate online, and border guards are reinforcing barriers.
Tymoshenko bribery scandal
New "Tymoshenko tapes" allegedly reveal schemes to bribe MPs for loyal votes, regular payments, and mass searches at the Batkivshchyna party office. Yulia Tymoshenko rejects the accusations as political pressure. The pre-trial investigation continues.
Government reshuffles stall
President Volodymyr Zelensky launched a broad government shake-up, but Parliament blocked some key appointments. Rotations are discussed in ministries, the Security Service (SBU), regional administrations, and further structural changes may follow.
World news highlights
Rostov in Russia experienced a loud night: a Russian air defense missile struck an apartment building, officially blamed on debris from a Ukrainian drone. Meanwhile, drones hit an oil depot, causing a fire.
The EU is considering appointing a special negotiator on Ukraine. Ukraine publicly supported Iran, sparking a wave of gratitude from Iranians. SpaceX temporarily offered free Starlink access to Iranian users amid internet blackouts.
Donald Trump reiterated his interest in Greenland, criticizing the island's leaders in tough words.
