American correspondents, citing White House representative John Kirby, report that the U.S. will announce new support packages for Ukraine in the coming days.

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Syrskyi possibly visited the Kursk Operational Zone in Russia as he reported on awarding units fighting in this direction.

Thirty years ago, on Dec 31, 1994 - Jan 1, 1995, Chechen resistance fighters delivered a significant defeat to the Russian army during the Battle of Grozny. In the initial days of intense urban combat, Russian forces suffered substantial losses, including over 1,000 soldiers killed and missing, and more than 2,000 wounded.

The Russian assault involved over 15,000 personnel, 195 tanks, more than 500 infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers, and over 200 artillery pieces and mortars, supported by attack aircraft and helicopters. They faced approximately 3,500 Chechen fighters, who had prepared a layered defense in anticipation of the attack.

The operation was marred by inadequate planning and leadership. Russian troops entered Grozny without engaging, leading to congestion in the streets and making them vulnerable to ambushes by the well-prepared Chechen defenders.

A particularly devastating loss occurred with the 131st 'Maikop' Motor Rifle Brigade. Tasked with seizing the central railway station, they were ambushed by Chechen forces. By January 3, the brigade had lost nearly 800 men, including almost all of their officers, and the majority of their armored vehicles.

The lessons of that assault were not learned—the senseless carnage laid the groundwork for further conflicts, and Russia has once again become mired in a horrifying war, but now against a far more formidable opponent.