Ukraine's 77th Separate Airmobile Naddnipryan Brigade halted a Russian assault involving about 50 enemy servicemen along the Soyuz gas pipeline north of Novoplatonivka in the Kupyansk direction over the past 59 minutes ending 8:45 a.m. UTC on January 5, 2026, confirming the elimination of at least 40 Russian troops, according to the brigade's report. The Russians attempted to use the gas pipeline for a hidden advance and force accumulation toward Nova Kruglyakivka and Zagryzovy, the 77th Brigade stated. Ukrainian forces detected the intentions in time and, cooperating with adjacent units, stopped the assault, preventing the enemy from achieving its goals and stabilizing the situation in the area. The brigade noted that Russian forces continue operating in small groups and attempting to infiltrate between positions in the area of responsibility, with all actions under constant control of the Defense Forces and being repelled. In Yelets, Russia, a factory struck by Ukraine the previous evening continued burning as of this morning, with reports describing a significant fire at the site, according to NOELreports. Russian war bloggers described the fall of Maduro in Venezuela as a strategic defeat for Russia, stating Moscow lacks capacity to assist allies like Syria, Iran, and Venezuela, according to Tendar citing commentator RND, who said, "Russia has long been past the point of assistance in America, Africa, or the Middle East. We need to help ourselves, at least, to get out of the Special Military Operation in a draw."
