Ukraine News Updates – January 15, 2026
UN: 2025 Civilian Toll Rises
The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reported that conflict-related violence in 2025 caused 2,514 civilian deaths and 12,142 injuries, the highest since 2022 and 31% above 2024. It verified that 63% of casualties occurred in frontline areas; people aged 60+ accounted for over 45% of frontline deaths. Short-range drone casualties rose 120% year-on-year. Long-range weapons caused 35% of casualties, including major attacks in Ternopil (19 November) and Kyiv (31 July), and renewed strikes on energy infrastructure led to extended outages.
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5G Pilot Launches in Lviv
Ukraine has launched a pilot 5G network in Lviv, the first city in the country to deploy the technology. Work on 5G began in 2019, with an initial full rollout planned for 2022, but priorities shifted after the full-scale invasion. Authorities say the pilot will expand next to Borodianka and Kharkiv, then to other cities. The key condition during martial law is avoiding interference with military systems. Over 30 5G-capable base stations have been installed nationwide. The pilot runs through end-2026.
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Norway-FAO Launch $4M Rural Program
Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, the UN FAO, and Norway are launching a $4 million program to support rural communities in frontline-adjacent regions. The project will operate in Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Mykolaiv oblasts, reaching over 6,000 households, prioritizing vulnerable families, IDPs, and returnees. Support includes vegetable and potato seeds, poultry starter kits, plus cash for feed/vet, and grants for small farmers (greenhouses, irrigation, water storage). Assistance begins in spring 2026; communities will register participants.
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UK-Ukraine Defense Roadmap Signed
Ukraine and the United Kingdom signed a 2026 defense cooperation roadmap in Kyiv, as part of their “century partnership.” Ukraine’s Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal and UK Defense Secretary John Healey agreed on priorities, including strengthening air defense and securing ammunition supplies. Shmyhal said Ukraine plans to produce 1,000 Octopus interceptor drones per month from February. Talks also covered joint industrial projects on air defense and long-range weapons, potential localization of Gripen production, maritime security, and preparations for the February Ramstein meeting.
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Norway Pledges $7B Support in 2026
Norway confirmed $7 billion in support for Ukraine in 2026 and announced an additional $400 million energy package, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said after meeting Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide on 12 January. Zelenskyy said the funding will cover military projects and social needs. The energy package is earmarked for urgent gas purchases, repairs to damaged facilities, and budget support amid cold weather and attacks. The sides also discussed air defense cooperation, including PEARL and NASAMS, as well as future security guarantees.
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UK Launches Nightfall Missile Tender for Ukraine
The UK’s Ministry of Defense announced “Nightfall,” a competition to develop a ground-launched tactical ballistic missile with a range over 500 km and resistance to electronic interference. The design specifies a 200 kg conventional warhead, launch from fixed or mobile platforms, and a cost cap of £800,000 per missile. Three teams will receive £9 million each to deliver prototypes for test launches within 12 months. Bids close on 9 February 2026; contracts are planned for March, with service entry in late 2026.
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Companies Chosen for €1B Reconstruction Fund Management
KfW said UK-based Amber Infrastructure and Ukraine’s Dragon Capital won the EU-wide selection to manage a European Ukraine Reconstruction Fund. Backed by the governments of Germany, Italy, Poland, and France, development banks, the European Commission, and the EIB, the fund aims to mobilize over €1 billion for private projects in energy infrastructure, renewables, industrial upgrades, and digital assets such as data centers. A first-loss tranche of up to €220 million will de-risk investors. Target size is €800 million in 2026.
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EU Backs €90B Ukraine Loan
The European Commission approved a package of legislative proposals to secure stable EU financial support for Ukraine in 2026–2027, including a €90 billion loan. About €60 billion is planned for military needs, with the remainder as general budget support. The loan would be funded through EU joint borrowing and guaranteed by the EU budget reserve. The Commission said immobilized Russian assets in the EU could be used for repayment under EU and international law. Proposals were sent to the Parliament and the Council, with disbursement targeted for Q2 2026, subject to reforms.
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Ukraine M&A Volume Reaches $1.35B in 2025
InVenture estimates Ukraine’s announced and completed M&A deals reached $1.35 billion in 2025, up 10% from 2024, across 123 transactions (114 in 2024). Because many deals are not publicly disclosed, InVenture estimates the market could be closer to $1.7 billion. Domestic investors accounted for 65% of deals and over 80% of value, while foreign investors participated in 35% of deals but only 19% of total value. The technology sector led by deal count, while real assets, such as real estate and agriculture, dominated by transaction value.