Russia started the new year with a massive drone attack on Ukraine. In response, the Netherlands will continue to support Kyiv, stated Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans.

The Dutch Defense Minister said that Russia launched more than 100 drones toward Ukraine on the first day of the new year. According to him, this demonstrates Moscow’s continued aggressive policy against Ukraine.

Brekelmans noted that the Netherlands remains unwavering in its support for Ukraine. He also noted that Russia’s New Year’s attack is another confirmation of its true intentions for 2025.

According to the Minister, European countries should not only support Ukraine but also strengthen their own defense capabilities in the face of a growing threat.

“Continuously support Ukraine against Russian aggression. And at the same time, quickly and significantly strengthen our armed forces in Europe,” the Minister emphasized.

Attack on Ukraine

As RBC-Ukraine previously reported, Russia launched more than 100 drones at Ukraine on New Year’s night.

We also covered how drones were shot down over the capital on New Year’s night.

Read more about the aftermath of the January 1 attack on Kyiv in the material by RBC-Ukraine.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to the incident of a pickup truck driving into a crowd in New Orleans. He emphasized that violence, terrorism and any other threats to human life have no place in the world, according to the President.

Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine is shocked by the news of the attack in New Orleans, which killed innocent people and injured many others.

He expressed hope that those responsible for this horrific attack would be brought to justice.

“Violence, terrorism, and any threats to human life have no place in our world and must not be tolerated. Our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, and we wish a swift recovery to all those injured,” the President added.

He emphasized that Ukraine supports the American people and condemns the violence.

Driving into a crowd in New Orleans

Today, on January 1, a car drove into a crowd of people celebrating the New Year in New Orleans. It is known that 10 people were killed and dozens more were injured.

Media reported that police shot the driver when he got out of the car.

According to US President Joe Biden, the FBI is investigating the incident as a terrorist act. In addition, a flag of the ISIS terrorist group was found with the driver.

An investigation continues in the US following the incident in which a pickup truck drove into a crowd of people in New Orleans. Authorities have discovered that the driver had an ISIS flag, CNN reports.

The information about the ISIS flag was disclosed to the agency by unnamed law enforcement sources.

According to one of CNN’s interlocutors, several explosive devices were found in an ice container in the pickup truck.

At the same time, the Federal Bureau of Investigation noted that it is treating the incident as an “act of terrorism.”

Investigators are looking into the suspect’s possible accomplices, as well as his political or religious views and whether he is affiliated with ISIS.

New Orleans crowd attack

As reported earlier on January 1, a car drove into a crowd of people celebrating New Year in New Orleans. Ten people were killed, and dozens more were injured.

According to media reports, police killed the driver after he exited the car.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has emphasized that the incident is being treated as a terrorist attack.

On the evening of Wednesday, 1 January, a “carpet” regime was declared at the airport of the Russian city of Saransk. The reason is the alleged threat of drones, according to the SHOT Telegram channel.

According to Russian media, temporary restrictions on the arrival and departure of flights have been imposed at Saransk Airport (Mordovia).

Russians claim that the airport closure was due to an alleged Ukrainian drone spotted in the sky.

Additionally, as reported by Rosaviatsiya, temporary restrictions have been imposed at airports in Kaluga, Penza, and Saratov.

It should be noted that the “Carpet plan” is declared in the event of a threat to aircraft or if a violation of airspace has been detected. Essentially, this means a closed sky regime.

On December 26, restrictions were imposed at several Russian airports, with most of Moscow’s airports being closed.

Russian media reported an air threat, and there were also mentions online that the “Carpet plan” was allegedly implemented at airports due to the threat of drones.

On the evening of December 11, the “Carpet plan” was implemented at Sochi Airport. The reason for these measures was a drone attack on the Krasnodar region.