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Call of Duty matchmaking consists of many factors with 'connection' being the most critical

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Activision has offered fresh insight into how Call of Duty’s matchmaking system works.
Activision has revealed an inside look on how its Call of Duty multiplayer matchmaking works, revealing that skill is one of the least important factors.
In a recent blog post, the company kept its promise from last year to be more transparent in how it discusses matchmaking in its games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, and offered a deep dive into how the system dubbed ‘skill-based matchmaking’ in the community. This explanation, it added, is specifically for Call of Duty multiplayer, not ranked play or Warzone.
However, although Call of Duty does consider skill as a variable, it’s not the dominant one, and Activision prioritizes several factors to create lobbies, with « connection » being « the most critical and heavily weighted factor » in the process.
« Whether you’re playing for fun with friends or looking to climb the leaderboards, connection is the most important part of the online Call of Duty experience, » Activision explained. « Connection dictates the speed at which the game can transfer information from every player to and from our servers.
« Call of Duty’s matchmaking process evaluates a metric we call ‘Delta Ping’, which is the difference in round trip time of the data between your best data center (almost always the one closest to you) and the data center onto which your lobby has been placed (based on all players in a lobby). To reiterate, we always try to maximize the time we place players in data centers that are closest to them. »
The entire matchmaking process consists of eight variables, including connection, time to match, playlist diversity, recent maps/modes, skill/performance, input device, platform, and voice chat.
Time to match is the second most critical simply because it’s better to not have to wait around when queuing for a match, while skill and performance is « used to give our players – a global community with a wide skill range – the opportunity to have an impact in every match. » 
The post continued: « Every time a player begins matchmaking in Multiplayer, for example, the process needs to work through all these factors to find other players (all of which are also being analyzed) to quickly assemble a lobby that is stable and competitive. »
Activision added that skill is also measured in matchmaking with teammates, as well as enemies after previous games have been calculated. That performance is used to ensure that there isn’t a drastic gap between the most and least skilled player in the lobby, as data shows that lower-skilled players are more likely to quit matches when they’re losing – which is bad for the overall ecosystem.
It’s also been recognised that many high-skilled players want more variety, « but often feel like they only get the ‘sweatiest’ of lobbies, » and Activision is going to continue testing and « actively explore ways to mitigate this concern. »
For more, here’s our list of the best FPS games, as well as the best multiplayer PC games available to play in 2024.

Microsoft Executive Believes Apple’s New EU App Store Rules Are A ‘Step In The Wrong Direction’ As Company Will Charge Developers More For Sideloading

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Apple’s new EU App Store rules have received condemnation, with Microsoft executive stating that it is the wrong move to make
Apple recently introduced App Store changes for EU developers to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which will officially go into effect in March. The company has unveiled its plans on how it will proceed with the EU law, but those changes have been met with harsh remarks from different company executives. The latest one was from Microsoft’s Xbox President, who stated that the new EU App Store rules are a step in the wrong direction.Microsoft executive hopes that Apple listens to valuable feedback and makes the required changes to its EU App Store
Sarah Bond was Microsoft’s first executive to voice concerns over the new rules outlined by Apple to comply with the EU’s DMA. In a post published on X, Bond condemned Apple’s proposed App Store changes and believes that the California-based giant should listen to feedback that will create a more inclusive future for everyone. While everyone is entitled to their own opinion, AppleInsider notes that Microsoft charges a 30 percent commission on game sales.
However, the software giant lets developers keep 100 percent of the revenue that they earn unless it is a game, which requires more funding to finish. Microsoft’s Sarah is not the first executive to speak out against Apple’s EU App Store changes, with Spotify CEO Daniel Ek calling the proposed plan extortion. While Apple allows developers to access third-party app stores, they must be individually approved and require human approval to proceed.
We believe constructive conversations drive change and progress towards open platforms and greater competition. Apple’s new policy is a step in the wrong direction. We hope they listen to feedback on their proposed plan and work towards a more inclusive future for all. https://t.co/mDRI5KPJf6
BondSarahBond (@BondSarah_Bond) January 29, 2024
We believe constructive conversations drive change and progress towards open platforms and greater competition. Apple’s new policy is a step in the wrong direction. We hope they listen to feedback on their proposed plan and work towards a more inclusive future for all. https://t.co/mDRI5KPJf6
— BondSarahBond (@BondSarah_Bond) January 29, 2024
Apple will also take 17 percent of all apps sold outside of its App Store, with the commission reduced from before. However, there is a small change, as the apps sold outside of the company’s online store will owe a Core Technology Fee of 0.50 Euro per first install of an app, which will be waived until one million installations. Also, if a developer offers a third-party store, then Apple will not be responsible for refunds, which can be tricky, particularly on how long it takes for those refunds to be issued.
News Source: Sarah Bond

Samsung's 128GB Galaxy Tab A9 Plus Is Just $220 Today

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The 11-inch tablet is down to a new all-time low price for the 128GB configuration, effectively getting you double the storage at no extra cost.
There are a lot of Android tablets for you to choose from and differentiating between them isn’t always easy. But the broad strokes are still work taking note of including the size of the display, how much storage is available, and most importantly, how much it will cost. In all of those instances, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus ticks a lot of boxes — especially considering a deal that is now available.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus comes with 128GB of storage and a 10.9-inch display which makes the discounted price of $220 particularly appealing. That’s a $50 saving over the normal $270 asking price and drops the 128GB model down to the usual price for the 63GB variant. We don’t know for how long the deal will remain on the table, though. If you want to be sure of taking advantage of this price, now is the time to act.
In terms of key specifications, that display and globs of storage are two of the main ones to take notice of. The whole thing is powered by Android and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor. This upgraded 128GB model also has the benefit of 8GB of RAM, twice that of the 64GB version. Storage can also be expanded up to 1TB via an optional microSD card if required.
Four speakers with Dolby Atmos support found out the main specifications of note, but don’t worry if this isn’t the tablet for you — we have plenty more tablet deals available if you’d prefer something bigger or more powerful.

Poll: Would you buy the Galaxy S24 Ultra if it had no S Pen?

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The Galaxy S24 Ultra continues the trend of offering an S Pen and integrated slot. But would you buy the phone if it didn’t have this option?
The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers an S Pen and S Pen slot once again, following in the footsteps of the S23 Ultra and S22 Ultra. It remains one of the few phone lines to offer an integrated stylus.
Would you buy the S24 Ultra if it had no S Pen, though? That’s what our featured poll is about today. So go ahead and vote below to make your voice heard.
There are several reasons to dig the S Pen, as the stylus is great for taking notes and drawing. This is in addition to other software features such as Air View, Circle to Search, and more. It also has a dedicated button that can be used as a remote shutter key or presentation clicker.
In saying so, we can see why you’d prefer to buy an Ultra device without the S Pen and associated slot. We’re guessing that dropping the S Pen and integrated slot would open the door for a slightly larger battery, improved cooling, and/or a cheaper price tag.

Umfrage: Lieber spezialisierte als nahe Klinik

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Bund und Länder ringen weiter um eine große Klinikreform. Eine neue Umfrage zeigt: Zumindest ein Reformziel stößt bei den meisten Bürgerinnen und Bürgern auf Zustimmung.
Bund und Länder ringen weiter um eine große Klinikreform. Eine neue Umfrage zeigt: Zumindest ein Reformziel stößt bei den meisten Bürgerinnen und Bürgern auf Zustimmung.
Berlin/Kiel – Die meisten Bürgerinnen und Bürger würden komplizierte Behandlungen lieber in spezialisierten Kliniken durchführen lassen – auch wenn diese weiter entfernt sind. Das ist ein Ergebnis einer neuen Umfrage zum Thema Krankenhäuser, die teils Unterstützung für die geplanten Krankenhaus-Reform von Gesundheitsminister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) signalisiert.
Das Ringen zwischen Bund und Ländern um die Reform geht inzwischen weiter, wie eine Videoschalte der Gesundheitsminister von Bund und Ländern deutlich machte. Heute will sich Lauterbach zu nächsten Schritten der geplanten Klinikreform äußern.
Wie die Länder nach der Gesundheitsministerkonferenz unter Vorsitz Schleswig-Holsteins mitteilten, baten sie Lauterbach, den versprochenen überarbeiteten Gesetzentwurf zur Reform vorzulegen. Auf Druck der Länder hatte Lauterbach Änderungen am Entwurf vornehmen wollen. Der geänderte Entwurf sei bis Anfang Dezember zugesagt gewesen, monierten die Länder. Die Länder seien sich einig, „dass die Kliniken in Deutschland rasch Klarheit brauchen, auf welche Planungen sie sich einstellen müssen“.
Verzeichnis für Klinik-Vergleich soll kommen
Die Klinikreform soll eine neue Bezahlmethode einführen, so dass Krankenhäuser nicht mehr aus Umsatzgründen möglichst viele Behandlungen durchführen. Zur größeren Spezialisierung eines Teils der Häuser soll eine einheitliche Einteilung in drei Stufen führen: Wohnortnahe Kliniken zur Grund- und Notfallversorgung, Häuser mit „Regel- und Schwerpunktversorgung“ und „Maximalversorger“ wie Unikliniken.
Zuvor soll ein Transparenzgesetz kommen. Es war von den Ländern zunächst abgelehnt worden und soll nun am 21. Februar im Vermittlungsausschuss von Bundestag und Bundesrat beraten werden. Patientinnen und Patienten sollen Leistungen und Behandlungsqualität der Krankenhäuser dadurch bald vergleichen können. Erstellt werden soll ein staatlicher Online-Atlas – mit Informationen etwa über Erfahrung einer Klinik oder Personalschlüssel. Verbunden mit dem Gesetz sind Milliardenhilfen für die Kliniken.
Laut der neuen Umfrage zum Thema Kliniken, die der dpa in Berlin vorliegt, würden 94 Prozent der Menschen in Deutschland für eine geplante Operation in eine spezialisierte Klinik fahren – auch wenn sie weiter entfernt liegt. Forsa hatte im Auftrag der Techniker Krankenkasse 1405 Erwachsene befragt. Fünf Prozent würden sich für eine gut erreichbare Klinik entscheiden, auch wenn sie nicht spezialisiert ist.
Gefragt wurde auch nach einer Bewertung des Reformziels, nach der komplizierte Behandlungen in spezialisierten Kliniken durchgeführt werden sollen. 66 Prozent bewerteten das Vorhaben als eher oder sehr gut, auch wenn für manche Patientinnen und Patienten dadurch weitere Wege anfallen. Ein Drittel der Befragten bewerteten das Vorhaben als schlecht oder sehr schlecht.
Klinikessen und Besuchszeiten nicht so wichtig
Für 97 Prozent der Menschen ist die Erfahrung bei der Wahl einer Klinik wichtig oder sehr wichtig, für 96 Prozent zählen Verfügbarkeit und Qualität des Personals. Eine gute Erreichbarkeit mit Auto oder öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln (79 Prozent) sowie Wohnortnähe (69 Prozent) sind ebenfalls für eine deutliche Mehrheit wichtig oder sehr wichtig. Seltener werden Komfortfaktoren genannt. So ist für 54 Prozent die Qualität des Essens wichtig oder sehr wichtig, für 53 Prozent die Ausstattung der Zimmer und für 45 Prozent großzügige Besuchszeiten. dpa

Former GOP Contender, Vivek Ramaswamy, Mocked Over Taylor Swift's Super Bowl Theory

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Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican who withdrew from the primary race and put his support behind former President Donald Trump earlier this month, has now come up with a fresh theory about Taylor Swift on X, a social media platform previously known as Twitter. As per HuffPost, amidst various predictions for the upcoming Super Bowl, Ramaswamy’s take on Monday stood out for its sheer bizarreness. The unusual speculation emerged after the Kansas City Chiefs secured their place in the Super Bowl. Those reading between the lines could find that Ramaswamy was referring to the well-known pairing of Swift and Travis Kelce.

According to Newsweek, he wrote, « I wonder who’s going to win the Super Bowl next month. And I wonder if there’s a major presidential endorsement coming from an artificially culturally propped-up couple this fall. Just some wild speculation over here, let’s see how it ages over the next 8 months. » This post surfaced as a reply to a message by Jack Posobiec, a promoter of the Pizzagate conspiracy, on X regarding Swift. He wrote, « Thinking about when Taylor Swift called out the Soros family in 2019 for buying the rights to her music and then how she came out a super liberal in 2020. »

While certain conservatives expressed support for Ramaswamy’s theory, a significant number of people also criticized it. Meghan McCain, a Republican political commentator and the daughter of the late Senator John McCain took to X to voice her disagreement with the theory. She wrote, « Whatever nutjob ‘Republicans’ are floating ugly and insane conspiracy theories about Taylor Swift are total idiots. Know that Ben and I are pulling for a post-Super Bowl engagement and ‘100’ support her and Travis! Let them live, they’re Americas golden couple. » Additionally, The View co-host, Alyssa Farah Griffin also wrote, « It’s barely 9am and we already have Taylor Swift Truther conspiracies! »

Furthermore, on X, some individuals found that Ramaswamy triggered memories of someone bothersome from their high school days. One user wrote, « I’ve said before that @VivekGRamaswamy’s entire political career is about getting revenge on the people who made fun of him in high school, and I’ve never been more sure of it than right now. » Some also pointed out sensible reasons not to agree with Ramaswamy’s prediction, primarily emphasizing the Chiefs’ performance on the field. David Marcus wrote, « Obviously, if the Chiefs who have been to 6 straight conference championships, won 2 Super Bowls, have the world’s best QB and a legendary coach win the game it must be a conspiracy. »

As this theory surfaces, Swift’s devoted fanbase, the Swifties, revels in the excitement of the pop sensation potentially gracing the Super Bowl to cheer on her boyfriend, Kelce, who serves as a tight end for the Chiefs. Swift has been a familiar presence at Chiefs’ games since September when she and Kelce publicized their relationship. In contrast, Swift has been outspoken on political matters, advocating for women’s rights and LGBTQ+ support. Certain Democrats even harbor the hope that Swift’s endorsement of Joe Biden might play a pivotal role in securing votes in November, acknowledging her extraordinary influence over her extensive fanbase.

First Thing: undercover Israeli forces storm Jenin hospital

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Hamas and Islamic Jihad confirm three members killed during raid by undercover Israeli forces, some dressed as women or medical staff. Plus, shipwreck mysteriously appears on Newfoundland coast
Good morning.
Israeli security forces raided Ibn Sina hospital in the city of Jenin in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday and killed three Palestinians. Hamas has confirmed that one of the dead was a member, while Islamic Jihad claimed the other two.
Israel’s border police said the three Palestinians were killed in an operation by the force’s undercover unit. CCTV circulated online appeared to show about a dozen undercover troops, including three in women’s clothing and two dressed as medical staff, pacing through a hospital corridor with rifles.
Israel’s national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, reposted the clip on social media, congratulated the forces who carried out the raid, and added: “Let all our enemies know that our forces will operate everywhere and by all means to protect our citizens and the state of Israel.”
In a statement, Israel’s military named the men killed as Mohammed Jalamneh, Mohammed Ghazawi and his brother Basel Ghazawi.Georgia lawmakers advance bill that could punish Trump prosecutor
Georgia legislators in the state house passed a bill yesterday to revive a panel that can punish or remove elected prosecutors, potentially adding to career headaches for the Fulton county district attorney, Fani Willis.
When creating the first version of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Qualifications Commission last year, lawmakers cited the inaction of prosecutors in the Ahmaud Arbery murder case as its basis. They also referred to a decision made by the Athens-Clarke county district attorney to forgo charges on minor drug possession cases.
Accusations that Willis, who is leading the sprawling corruption case against Donald Trump and his allies over their efforts to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia, may have had an inappropriate relationship with a special prosecutor have been central to the effort to revive the law.
The governor, Brian Kemp, signed an earlier bill into law last year, creating a panel of eight appointees with the power to remove prosecutors if the panel decided a prosecutor was mentally or physically incapacitated, had engaged in misconduct, or failed to prosecute cases for which probable cause existed.Police make five arrests after six bodies are found in southern California desert
Authorities say arrests have been made in the investigation surrounding six bodies found last week at a remote dirt crossroads in the southern California desert.
Five suspects have been arrested in the fatal shootings, according to the San Bernardino county sheriff’s department. Officials say they think the killings stemmed from a dispute over an illicit marijuana trade.
Authorities found the bodies in the Mojave desert outside El Mirage last week after responding to a request for a wellness check. Five bodies were found late on Tuesday and a sixth last Wednesday.
Sheriff’s department officials said all six victims died of gunshot wounds, four of them had also been burned, and that the suspects were arrested at an illegal cannabis cultivation site that was under development.In other news …Don’t miss this: ‘I didn’t realise I was so loved’ – the people hosting their own ‘living funerals’
Picture the scene: all your friends and family have gathered together to celebrate your life. They share heartfelt tributes about how much you’ve meant to them and they laugh together at memorable moments. Some use it as a chance to say the things they wish they had said to you earlier. This probably sounds like a regular funeral, but what if there was one crucial difference? What if the person on the receiving end of this outpouring of love were still alive and able to attend?
Living funerals, which are also known as pre-funerals, offer a chance for people to say goodbye to their friends and families on their own terms and to celebrate their life while they are still alive. Isabelle Aron meets five people – some with a terminal diagnosis – who have done just that.Climate check: move to sustainable food systems could bring $10tn benefits a year, study finds
A shift towards a more sustainable global food system could create up to $10tn (£7.9tn) of benefits a year, improve human health and ease the climate crisis, according to the most comprehensive economic study of its type.
It found that existing food systems destroyed more value than they created due to hidden environmental and medical costs, in effect, borrowing from the future to take profits today. Food systems drive a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, putting the world on course for 2.7C of warming by the end of the century.Last Thing: ‘Let’s find out’ – shipwreck mysteriously appears on Newfoundland coast
A coastal community in Newfoundland has been left baffled by the sudden appearance of a centuries-old shipwreck. Gordon Blackmore, a local resident, was hunting seabirds on the sandy shores of Cape Ray when he spotted a dark shadow that had not been there when he visited a few days earlier.
Cape Ray, a community of 350 on the south-west coast of Newfoundland, known as “the Rock”, is the final resting site of at least eight ships. But what makes the latest discovery unique is the unexplained nature of the wreck’s sudden appearance.

Blizzard's new president is former Call of Duty boss

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Following the departure of Mike Ybarra, Blizzard has announced its new president.
Following the departure of Mike Ybarra, Blizzard has announced its new president: Activision’s former general manager of its Call of Duty franchise, Johanna Faries.
Faries’ new position was announced last night, following layoffs at Microsoft last week. Her appointment marks the first new leader of the studio since Microsoft finally purchased Activision Blizzard for $69 billion in October, following almost two years of regulatory approvals and legal wrangling. Her official first day will be next month, on 5th February.
In an email sent to Blizzard staff, Faries acknowledged that her new role at Blizzard may stir up a « range of reactions, questions and even concerns ». The new president noted Activision, Blizzard and indeed King are all « decidedly different companies with distinct games, cultures and communities », despite being under one umbrella.
« It is important to note that Call of Duty’s way of waking up in the morning to deliver for players can often differ from the stunning games in Blizzard’s realm: each with different gameplay experiences, communities that surround them, and requisite models of success, » Faries wrote.
« I’ve discussed this with the Blizzard leadership team and I’m walking into this role with sensitivity to those dynamics, and deep respect for Blizzard, as we begin to explore taking our universes to even higher heights. »
Faries said she was « committed » to ensuring Blizzard thrives, and will be approaching her new role with « care and consideration » for its staff and games.
Head of Xbox game studios at Microsoft Matt Booty welcomed Faries to her new role in an email to staff, saying he was « excited » to be partnering with her.
Call of Duty’s current VP of product management Matt Cox will now replace Faries as the franchise’s leader.

Südkorea: Nordkorea feuert erneut Marschflugkörper ab

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Nordkorea hat in den letzten Jahren nicht nur ballistische Raketen, sondern auch mehrfach Marschflugkörper getestet. Äußerungen deuten darauf hin, dass sie mit Atomwaffen ausgerüstet werden sollen.
Nordkorea hat in den letzten Jahren nicht nur ballistische Raketen, sondern auch mehrfach Marschflugkörper getestet. Äußerungen deuten darauf hin, dass sie mit Atomwaffen ausgerüstet werden sollen.
Seoul – Nordkorea hat nach Angaben des südkoreanischen Militärs zum dritten Mal innerhalb einer Woche mehrere militärische Lenkflugkörper abgefeuert. Die Marschflugkörpern seien nach dem Start in Richtung des Meers zwischen der koreanischen Halbinsel und China geflogen, teilte der Generalstab in Seoul mit. Es würden zusammen mit den militärischen Aufklärungsbehörden der USA noch weitere Daten ausgewertet. Die Aktivitäten Nordkoreas würden genau beobachtet, hieß es.
Nordkorea hatte zuletzt eigenen Angaben zufolge einen neuen strategischen Marschflugkörper für den Ausbau der nuklearen Schlagkraft des Landes getestet. Am Sonntag wurden demnach zwei Marschflugkörper des neu entwickelten Typs „Pulhwasal-3-31“, der von einem U-Boot abgefeuert werden kann, in Richtung Japanisches Meer (koreanisch: Ostmeer) abgeschossen. Schon am vergangenen Mittwoch hatte Nordkorea den gleichen Typ getestet.
Nordkorea hat in den letzten Jahren nicht nur ballistische Raketen, sondern auch mehrfach Marschflugkörper getestet, die es als strategisch bezeichnete. Die Bezeichnung lässt darauf schließen, dass sie mit Atomwaffen ausgerüstet werden sollen.
Der von Machthaber Kim Jong Un regierte Ein-Parteien-Staat unterliegt wegen seines Atomwaffen- und Raketenprogramms internationalen Sanktionen. Im Gegensatz zu ballistische Raketen, die je nach Bauart auch mit einem Atomsprengkopf bestückt werden können, sind Tests von Marschflugkörpern nicht direkt von den UN-Verbotsbeschlüssen gegen das Land betroffen. Anders als ballistische Raketen verfügen Lenkflugkörper über einen permanenten eigenen Antrieb. dpa

Новая атака БПЛА: ВС РФ запустили в сторону Украины несколько групп дронов (карта)

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Воздушная тревога продолжалась несколько часов. В Кривом Роге и Змиеве Харьковской области.
Вражеские беспилотники были замечены в Николаевской, Херсонской, Днепропетровской, Кировоградской, Винницкой, Полтавской, Харьковской, Сумской, Черкасской и Киевской областях.
Вечером 29 января войска Росссийской Федерации атаковали Украину дронами. Воздушная тревога продолжалась несколько часов. О первой группе БПЛА сообщили Воздушные силы в 20:29 вечера.
Сообщается, что вражеские беспилотники были замечены в Николаевской и Херсонской областях. Позже БПЛА отправились в сторону Кировоградской области. В 21:41 тревога была объявлена Днепропетровской области.
« Вторая группа ударных БПЛА движется по территории Николаевской области в северо-западном направлении. Угроза для Одесщины! » — отметили в ВСУ в 22:09.
Уже в 22:38 была объявлена тревога в Черкасской области. Туда направились дроны из Кировоградской области. Затем стало известно о беспилотниках РФ в Харьковской области, которые двигались в сторону Чугуева. Также об опасности предупредили жителей Полтавской области.
Затем в 23:26 стало известно о БПЛА возле Кривого Рога Днепропетровской области. Корреспондент Фокуса сообщил о взрывах в городе.
Также в 00:01 уже 30 января « Суспільне Харків » сообщило о взрывах в городе Змиев Харьковской области. Об этом журналистам рассказала первая заместитель мэра Татьяна Тимофеева.
Позже Воздушные силы заявили о движении дронов Shahed в Винницкой, Сумской и других областях. Также беспилотники двигались в сторону Киевской области. В 01:48 ночи был объявлен отбой воздушной тревоги в связи с активностью вражеских БПЛА.

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