Russia's military aggression against Ukraine continues.



Fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces continues across Ukraine, forcing thousands of civilians to flee the country.

We will keep you updated on developments in Ukraine on January 1st (Japan time), including the battle situation and the diplomacy of the countries concerned.



(There is a 7-hour time difference between Japan and Ukraine, and a 6-hour time difference with Moscow, Russia.)

Russian Defense Minister: Victory will come like New Year

Russian Defense Minister Shoigu said in a video released on the eve of the New Year on December 31, ``This past year, we have faced a momentous time-changing challenge. It is being done," he said, justifying the military invasion of Ukraine.



He also addressed the soldiers participating in the invasion, saying, "You are spending the New Year away from your family and performing a very difficult task in advancing your 'Special Military Operations.' It will be engraved forever.”



He then called out, ``Our victory will surely come, just like in the New Year,'' emphasizing the stance of continuing the invasion until the objective is achieved.

Explosion in capital Kyiv injures one Japanese

The mayor of Kyiv, Ukrainian capital, Klitschko announced on social media that on the afternoon of December 31, there was an attack by the Russian army, and one Japanese was injured and taken to the hospital.



An adviser to Ukraine's interior minister said on social media that the injured Japanese was a journalist belonging to a Japanese newspaper, citing Mayor Klitschko.



According to the Asahi Shimbun, the Japanese who was injured in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, is Wataru Sekita (36), who belongs to the video news department.



At the time, he was outside on the premises of the hotel where he was staying, injured his right calf, and was being treated at the hospital.

The company says it is still investigating the situation.

Multiple Explosions in Capital Kyiv

On the afternoon of December 31, local time, multiple explosion-like sounds were heard in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.



Explosive sounds were heard at least five times from around 2:00 pm local time, and white smoke could be seen rising in the distance from the hotel where the NHK reporting team was located.



In Ukraine, air defense warnings were issued all over the country from the afternoon of December 31, and Mayor Klitschko called for citizens to evacuate in Kyiv.