2024 was a year marked by conflicts and turmoil across the globe. From escalating tensions in war-torn regions to political unrest and humanitarian crises, the year witnessed challenges that shaped global geopolitics. Watch to know more.

WION Rewind 2024: How 2024 was marred by conflicts

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Dec 31) vowed to use the New Year 2025 to end Russia's nearly three-year-long invasion of his country. This comes as, in a historic first, a Ukrainian drone shot down a Russian helicopter.&nbsp;
<h2>Zelensky's vow</h2>
Addressing his war-battered nation at the end of a difficult year, Ukraine's President Zelensky said, "May 2025 be our year".
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He said that while "we know that peace will not be given to us as a gift," the country will "do everything to stop Russia and end the war."
Zelensky said that in 2024, Ukraine had to continue to fight to gain the upper hand on the battlefield and to get ahead of any prospective peace talks, and the conditions that will come with that.
"Every day in the coming year, I, and all of us, must fight for a Ukraine that is strong enough," he said.
"Because only such a Ukraine is respected and heard, both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table," added the Ukrainian leader.
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In 2024, as per an AFP analysis, Kyiv lost seven times more territory to Moscow than it did in 2023.&nbsp;
Zelensky also addressed US President-elect Donald Trump's looming inauguration and said that he has "no doubt that the new American president is willing and capable of achieving peace and ending (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's aggression."
With Trump's return, Ukraine faces the possibility of a reduction in its military and aid budget. Trump has previously referred to the military aid being sent to Kyiv as a drain on US resources.
<h2>Ukraine's 'historic first' aerial attack against Russia</h2>
Ukraine's military intelligence service in a post on Telegram and X posted a video of what it said was a "historic first," as its forces used an attack drone to bring down a Russian air target.
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Posting a video of the strike, the intelligence service said: "Historic strike - GUR soldiers destroyed an air target for the first time in the world using a Magura V5 naval drone".
Watch the video here:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%86%D1%8E%D1%94%D0%93%D0%A3%D0%A0?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#працюєГУР</a> 💥 Історичний удар ― воїни ГУР вперше у світі знищили повітряну ціль за допомогою морського дрона Magura V5 🔗 <a href="https://t.co/Td2vPEy6St">https://t.co/Td2vPEy6St</a> <a href="https://t.co/UC3SNnp6ah">pic.twitter.com/UC3SNnp6ah</a>
&mdash; Defence intelligence of Ukraine (@DI_Ukraine) <a href="https://twitter.com/DI_Ukraine/status/1873991909007577228?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
While Ukraine's drone boats have engaged Russian helicopters using machine guns, this is the first successful use of surface-to-air missiles. The Magura V5 naval attack drone, as per reports, is one of Ukraine's most advanced drone boats or Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) equipped with missile weapons.
(With inputs from agencies)

Historic drone strike sees Ukraine down Russian helicopter, showcasing significant advancements in military technology and strategic warfare capabilities on the global stage.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Dec 31) vowed to use the New Year 2025 to end Russia's nearly three-year-long invasion of his country. This comes as, in a historic first, a Ukrainian drone shot down a Russian helicopter. Zelensky's vow Addressing his war-battered nation at the end of a difficult year, Ukraine's President Zelensky said, "May 2025 be our year". Also read | End of Russian gas via Ukraine sparks unease in eastern Europe He said that while "we know that peace will not be given to us as a gift," the country will "do everything to stop Russia and end the war." Zelensky said that in 2024, Ukraine had to continue to fight to gain the upper hand on the battlefield and to get ahead of any prospective peace talks, and the conditions that will come with that. "Every day in the coming year, I, and all of us, must fight for a Ukraine that is strong enough," he said. "Because only such a Ukraine is respected and heard, both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table," added the Ukrainian leader. Also read | FBI seizes record cache of explosives in Virginia farm raid; suspect backed far-right In 2024, as per an AFP analysis, Kyiv lost seven times more territory to Moscow than it did in 2023. Zelensky also addressed US President-elect Donald Trump's looming inauguration and said that he has "no doubt that the new American president is willing and capable of achieving peace and ending (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's aggression." With Trump's return, Ukraine faces the possibility of a reduction in its military and aid budget. Trump has previously referred to the military aid being sent to Kyiv as a drain on US resources. Ukraine's 'historic first' aerial attack against Russia Ukraine's military intelligence service in a post on Telegram and X posted a video of what it said was a "historic first," as its forces used an attack drone to bring down a Russian air target. Also read | Blake Lively sues It Ends With Us director Justin Baldoni for sexual harassment Posting a video of the strike, the intelligence service said: "Historic strike - GUR soldiers destroyed an air target for the first time in the world using a Magura V5 naval drone". Watch the video here: #працюєГУР 💥 Історичний удар ― воїни ГУР вперше у світі знищили повітряну ціль за допомогою морського дрона Magura V5 🔗 https://t.co/Td2vPEy6St pic.twitter.com/UC3SNnp6ah — Defence intelligence of Ukraine (@DI_Ukraine) December 31, 2024 While Ukraine's drone boats have engaged Russian helicopters using machine guns, this is the first successful use of surface-to-air missiles. The Magura V5 naval attack drone, as per reports, is one of Ukraine's most advanced drone boats or Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) equipped with missile weapons. (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky vows to end Russia's invasion in 2025 as Ukraine carries out 'historic' drone strike

"May 2025 be our year," Zelensky said in an address to the nation just before the clock struck midnight in Kyiv. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukrainian President vows to end war in 2025

In his New Year's Eve address on Tuesday, Russia President Vladimir Putin highlighted Moscow's accomplishments, expressing pride in the nation's progress during his 25-year leadership tenure.

Russia: Vladimir Putin's new year speech celebrates 25 years in power

Russian President Vladimir Putin marked 25 years in power on Tuesday (Dec 31) which is also New Year's Eve. In his New Year's speech to citizens, President Putin said that Russians should be proud of what their country had done during his time in power.
"Dear friends, in just a few minutes 2025 will be ushered in, completing the first quarter of the 21st century," Putin said in the televised remarks.
"Yes, we still have a lot to decide, but we can be rightfully proud of what has already been done," he added, saying the 25 years had paved the way for "further development."
<h2>Putin praises Russia's soldiers</h2>
During his address, Vladimir Putin praised Russia's soldiers, a theme that was echoed in his previous New Year's Eve addresses since Moscow launched a full-scale offensive against Ukraine in late February 2022.
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"On this New Year's Eve, the thoughts and hopes of relatives and friends, millions of people across Russia are together with our fighters and commanders," the Russian president said.
"Now, on the threshold of a new year, we are thinking about the future. We are sure that everything will be all right. We will only go forward," he added.
<h2>Will the Russia-Ukraine war continue?</h2>
Putin's remarks came as the war between Russia and Ukraine would soon enter its third year.&nbsp;
Russia has launched overnight aerial attacks on Ukraine almost every day since its forces invaded in February 2022, targeting military and civilian infrastructure, including the power grid.
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Moscow launched a barrage of drones and missiles across Ukraine overnight and early Tuesday, with officials conceding there were successful strikes in the east of the country and near Kyiv.
A recent analysis of the data from the Institute for the Study of War done by the news agency AFP showed that Russia advanced by almost 4,000 square kilometres in Ukraine in 2024, seven times more than in 2023.
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World: In his New Year's speech, President Vladimir Putin said that Russians should be proud of what their country had done during his time in power.

Russian President Vladimir Putin marked 25 years in power on Tuesday (Dec 31) which is also New Year's Eve. In his New Year's speech to citizens, President Putin said that Russians should be proud of what their country had done during his time in power. "Dear friends, in just a few minutes 2025 will be ushered in, completing the first quarter of the 21st century," Putin said in the televised remarks. "Yes, we still have a lot to decide, but we can be rightfully proud of what has already been done," he added, saying the 25 years had paved the way for "further development." Putin praises Russia's soldiers During his address, Vladimir Putin praised Russia's soldiers, a theme that was echoed in his previous New Year's Eve addresses since Moscow launched a full-scale offensive against Ukraine in late February 2022. Also read | North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sends New Year greetings to 'dearest friend' Putin "On this New Year's Eve, the thoughts and hopes of relatives and friends, millions of people across Russia are together with our fighters and commanders," the Russian president said. "Now, on the threshold of a new year, we are thinking about the future. We are sure that everything will be all right. We will only go forward," he added. Will the Russia-Ukraine war continue? Putin's remarks came as the war between Russia and Ukraine would soon enter its third year. Russia has launched overnight aerial attacks on Ukraine almost every day since its forces invaded in February 2022, targeting military and civilian infrastructure, including the power grid. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow, Kyiv exchange 300 prisoners in UAE-brokered deal Moscow launched a barrage of drones and missiles across Ukraine overnight and early Tuesday, with officials conceding there were successful strikes in the east of the country and near Kyiv. A recent analysis of the data from the Institute for the Study of War done by the news agency AFP showed that Russia advanced by almost 4,000 square kilometres in Ukraine in 2024, seven times more than in 2023. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin marks 25 years in power, praises Russia’s achievements in New Year’s Eve speech

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Russia&rsquo;s Federal Security Service (FSB) Saturday (Dec 28) said that it had foiled a Ukrainian plot to kill a high-ranking Russian officer and a blogger using a music speaker fitted with a bomb. The FSB didn&rsquo;t identify the potential targets of the alleged plot in its statement. It said the Ukrainian intelligence agency GUR had contacted a Russian citizen through messaging app Telegram.
The Russian national then allegedly managed to retrieve the bomb from a &lsquo;hiding place&rsquo; in capital Moscow. He then concealed the bomb, equivalent to 1 1/2 kg of TNT and packed with ball bearings, inside a portable music speaker.
The major allegation by Russia comes weeks after Ukraine&rsquo;s SBU assassinated the chief of Russia's Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Protection Troops in Moscow outside his apartment. Lieutenant General Kirillov was Russia&rsquo;s highest-ranking officer killed in the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war.
The SBU agents reportedly attached a bomb to an electric scooter and exploded it as Kirillov and his aide walked towards their official car. Ukraine had accused Kirillov of staging several chemical attacks against Kyiv forces during the war.
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News agency Reuters reported that Kirillov&rsquo;s death may have prompted Russian authorities to review security protocols for the army's top brass.
<h2>Other high profile killings</h2>
Russia has accused Ukraine of carrying out several targeted assassinations since the start of Moscow's full-scale war on Ukraine in February 2022. Amongst the major high-profile cases are the 2022 killing of Darya Dugina, the daughter of Russian nationalist ideologue Alexander Dugin; and the 2023 caf&eacute; bombing that led to the death of a Russian pro-war blogger named Vladlen Tatarsky. Last year, a shooting incident targeted a Russian submarine commander accused of war crimes by Kyiv.
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Following the death of Kirillov earlier this year, the Ukraine envoy of US President-elect Donald Trump condemned the move and said such killings were "not really smart" and going "a little bit too far."
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

The major allegation by Russia comes weeks after Ukraine’s SBU assassinated the chief of Russia's Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Protection Troops in Moscow outside his apartment

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) Saturday (Dec 28) said that it had foiled a Ukrainian plot to kill a high-ranking Russian officer and a blogger using a music speaker fitted with a bomb. The FSB didn’t identify the potential targets of the alleged plot in its statement. It said the Ukrainian intelligence agency GUR had contacted a Russian citizen through messaging app Telegram. The Russian national then allegedly managed to retrieve the bomb from a ‘hiding place’ in capital Moscow. He then concealed the bomb, equivalent to 1 1/2 kg of TNT and packed with ball bearings, inside a portable music speaker. The major allegation by Russia comes weeks after Ukraine’s SBU assassinated the chief of Russia's Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Protection Troops in Moscow outside his apartment. Lieutenant General Kirillov was Russia’s highest-ranking officer killed in the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war. The SBU agents reportedly attached a bomb to an electric scooter and exploded it as Kirillov and his aide walked towards their official car. Ukraine had accused Kirillov of staging several chemical attacks against Kyiv forces during the war. Also read: Tucker Carlson claims Biden administration blocking his attempts to interview Zelensky News agency Reuters reported that Kirillov’s death may have prompted Russian authorities to review security protocols for the army's top brass. Other high profile killings Russia has accused Ukraine of carrying out several targeted assassinations since the start of Moscow's full-scale war on Ukraine in February 2022. Amongst the major high-profile cases are the 2022 killing of Darya Dugina, the daughter of Russian nationalist ideologue Alexander Dugin; and the 2023 café bombing that led to the death of a Russian pro-war blogger named Vladlen Tatarsky. Last year, a shooting incident targeted a Russian submarine commander accused of war crimes by Kyiv. Also read: Secret UK military lab 'blew up', 'poisoned' thousands of animals Following the death of Kirillov earlier this year, the Ukraine envoy of US President-elect Donald Trump condemned the move and said such killings were "not really smart" and going "a little bit too far." Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

Ukraine war: Russia claims it foiled Kyiv plot to kill top officer using ‘speaker bomb’

Russia’s new intermediate-range ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, recently fired at Ukraine, was developed using advanced manufacturing equipment from Western companies, despite sanctions.

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow uses foreign technology missile despite sanctions

Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is "striving" to end the conflict in Ukraine. The Russian President mentioned that the government is ready to deploy intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missiles or other more powerful intermediate-range weapons if necessary.

Russia-Ukraine War: Putin says Russia striving to complete Ukraine conflict

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia striving to complete Ukraine conflict: Putin

Russia has confirmed that Ukraine launched an airstrike on the city of Lgov in Kursk Oblast, while Ukraine said that Russian forces carried out a massive missile attack targeting its energy facilities, according to reports released by both sides on Wednesday. Watch to know more.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia confirms Ukrainian attacks on Lgov

Joe Biden has asked the US defence department to continue its surge of weapons deliveries to Ukraine, describing Russia’s Christmas Day attack against some of Ukraine's cities and its energy infrastructure as “outrageous”.

Russia-Ukraine War: Joe Biden calls Christmas Day attack on Ukraine 'outrageous'

Russia launched a retaliatory strike on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, in the early hours of Friday, causing significant devastation across various parts of the city. Watch to know more.



Russia-Ukraine War: Kyiv Collects Vast War Data To Train AI Models

#Gravitas Russia has unleashed a retaliatory strike on Ukraine's capital Kyiv. The attack was carried out in the early hours of Friday causing devastation in various parts of Ukraine’s capital.  



Russia Devastates Parts Of Kyiv In ‘Revenge’ Attack

Russia launched a retaliatory strike on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, in the early hours of Friday, causing significant devastation across various parts of the city. Watch to know more.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia Devastates Parts Of Kyiv In ‘Revenge’ Attack

Moscow/Kyiv
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Russia on Friday (Dec 20) launched a barrage of missiles on Ukraine's capital Kyiv, killing at least one person, and cutting heating to hundreds of buildings in cold temperatures, as the war between the two countries nears its three-year mark.
Russia said that it launched this latest attack against Ukraine as a retaliation for a strike using Western missiles on a chemical plant in Russia earlier this week.
<h2>'Moscow used eight missiles in the attack'</h2>
Kyiv's Military Administration Head Serhiy Popko said that the Russian military used eight missiles, including hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and Iskander/KN-23 ballistic missiles.
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Kyiv's Mayor Vitali Klitschko, meanwhile, said that nine people were injured in the attack.  
A report by the news agency AFP said that heating was cut to a total of 630 residential buildings, along with a dozen medical clinics and schools. 
<h2>'Russians should burn in hell'</h2>
When 35-year-old doctor Victoria read the warnings on social media, she ran to a shelter. "Even in the shelter, bricks fell on my head. It's just horrible when people start running in from the street," Victoria told AFP. 
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The doctor had come out to look at the charred cars and buildings with blown-out windows at the site of an attack. "Russians should burn in hell," the 35-year-old woman further said.
<h2>Six diplomatic missions damaged: Ukraine</h2>
Ukraine's foreign ministry said on Friday that diplomatic missions of Albanian, Argentine, North Macedonian, Palestinian, Portuguese and Montenegrin missions were damaged in the Russian missile attack. 
Separately, the European Union condemned the strike by saying that Russian President Vladimir Putin's disregard for international law reached new heights. 
(With inputs from agencies)

Russia said that it launched this latest attack against Ukraine as a retaliation for a strike using Western missiles on a chemical plant in Russia earlier this week.



Moscow/Kyiv Russia on Friday (Dec 20) launched a barrage of missiles on Ukraine's capital Kyiv, killing at least one person, and cutting heating to hundreds of buildings in cold temperatures, as the war between the two countries nears its three-year mark. Russia said that it launched this latest attack against Ukraine as a retaliation for a strike using Western missiles on a chemical plant in Russia earlier this week. 'Moscow used eight missiles in the attack' Kyiv's Military Administration Head Serhiy Popko said that the Russian military used eight missiles, including hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and Iskander/KN-23 ballistic missiles. Also read | 'Ukraine kills' Russian General Igor Kirillov who was in charge of nation's nuclear protection forces Kyiv's Mayor Vitali Klitschko, meanwhile, said that nine people were injured in the attack. A report by the news agency AFP said that heating was cut to a total of 630 residential buildings, along with a dozen medical clinics and schools. 'Russians should burn in hell' When 35-year-old doctor Victoria read the warnings on social media, she ran to a shelter. "Even in the shelter, bricks fell on my head. It's just horrible when people start running in from the street," Victoria told AFP. Also watch | What is Ukraine's endgame? The doctor had come out to look at the charred cars and buildings with blown-out windows at the site of an attack. "Russians should burn in hell," the 35-year-old woman further said. Six diplomatic missions damaged: Ukraine Ukraine's foreign ministry said on Friday that diplomatic missions of Albanian, Argentine, North Macedonian, Palestinian, Portuguese and Montenegrin missions were damaged in the Russian missile attack. Separately, the European Union condemned the strike by saying that Russian President Vladimir Putin's disregard for international law reached new heights. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia launches barrage of missiles on Kyiv, damaging six diplomatic missions

Russia has carried out a significant attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Daily blackouts and freezing temperatures are pushing millions into chaos. Watch this report for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia's Relentless Strike On Ukraine

#Gravitas Russia has unleashed a retaliatory strike on Ukraine's capital Kyiv. The attack was carried out in the early hours of Friday causing devastation in various parts of Ukraine’s capital.