2 January 2026
Ukraine-Russia
Ukraine said Russia launched 200 drones overnight into Ukraine, while Russia accused Ukraine of killing 24 during New Year’s celebrations. The CIA has dismissed Russia’s claims of a Ukrainian drone strike attempt on Putin’s residence, while Russia has vowed to provide evidence. Ukraine received an additional two Patriot systems from Germany.
President Zelensky offered Kyrylo Budanov, the military intelligence chief, to serve as his top aide at the presidential office. This comes after a scandal and the reshuffling of Andriy Yermak.
Taiwan
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te vowed to defend the island’s sovereignty and strengthen its defenses in a New Year’s address. China’s leader Xi Jinping said in his New Year’s address on Wednesday that a “reunification” with Taiwan cannot be stopped. “We Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share a bond of blood and kinship,” he said. “The reunification of our motherland, a trend of the times, is unstoppable.”
Syria
An al-Jazeera investigative programme obtained hours of audio calls s with disaffected former military officers from the al-Assad regime, which indicates a coordinated effort to destabilize the new government. Al Jazeera is airing the journalists’ coverage on Wednesday.
Iran
President Trump warns that the US is “locked and loaded” if Iran kills any of the protesters. Dozens of protesters have clashed with Iranian police in several provinces. At least three people were killed and 17 others injured on Thursday evening when protesters stormed a police station in the city of Azna in Iran’s western Lorestan province.
South Korea
South Korea’s defence minister is downplaying US troop withdrawal concerns. A US Apache unit was deactivated in South Korea, and critics suggest it is an indication of further reductions to come. The defence minister will visit Camp Humphreys, where the unit was stationed, on 6 January as part of a fact-finding mission.
Social media wires
Apparently, Ukraine fooled the Russians into giving half a million dollars to fake commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps death.
Sober thoughts on New Year’s drone celebrations
Featured Photo: “F-35 GBU39 loading” – Wikimedia Commons, 2026
The Wires Brief is a daily breaking news report incorporating wire service news and social media updates. DefRep cannot verify the authenticity of social media reporters nor the accuracy of social media updates. Feature photos are altered with grayscale.