Ukraine targeted Russia's industrial plants and ammunition depots in a mas strike overnight

Ukraine launched its largest attack to date on Russian military and industrial targets overnight on Jan. 14, striking facilities within a range of 1,100 kilometers (620 miles), according to the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. Targets included chemical plants, refineries, and ammunition depots at the Engels airbase. A source within Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) confirmed that these strikes aim to degrade Russia's military capabilities by hitting key facilities supporting its war effort.

In Saratov and Engels, explosions damaged industrial sites, including the Kristal oil facility, which had already been targeted earlier in January. Engels airbase, housing strategic bombers used for attacks on Ukraine, reportedly sustained hits on depots containing cruise missiles and glide bombs. Elsewhere, a chemical plant near Bryansk, involved in producing explosives and missile fuel, was also struck. In Kazan, Tatarstan, a drone ignited a gas tank, though local officials claimed minimal damage. Additionally, the Aleksino chemical plant in Tula, which manufactures military-grade ammunition, was successfully hit, resulting in a significant fire. These attacks reflect Ukraine's intensified efforts to disrupt Russia's war infrastructure.

Zelensky says equipping troops is more important than owering draft age

Ukraine's current priority is equipping its military effectively rather than further reducing the draft age, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Jan. 14, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine's over 100 brigades require consistent staffing and resupply of equipment to maintain their combat readiness, a key focus shared with international partners.

The remarks come amid reports that U.S. lawmakers and NATO allies are pressing Ukraine to lower its draft age from 25 to 18 to address manpower shortages. While the Biden administration supports the proposal, Kyiv remains hesitant, citing concerns over equipment availability and the economic repercussions of drafting younger workers. Currently, martial law prevents men aged 18 to 60 from leaving Ukraine, but only those 25 and older are subject to the draft. In April 2024, Ukraine lowered the draft age from 27 to 25, adding 50,000 troops, but this measure alone has not fully addressed the military’s personnel needs as the war enters its third year.

Russia sentenced 7 Ukrainian captives to 15-16 years in prison in Kursk Oblast

The 2nd Western Military District Court in Moscow has sentenced seven Ukrainian prisoners of war to 15–16 years in prison, according to the Russian Prosecutor General's Office, as reported by Meduza. The soldiers were captured during Ukraine's offensive in Kursk Oblast and accused of violating Russia's sovereignty by entering Korenevsky District with the intent to commit acts of terrorism.

Russian authorities charged the soldiers with conspiracy and terrorism, alleging they fired on Russian personnel and civilians, restricted the movement of local residents, and blocked evacuation efforts. The court found Anatolii Voloshyn, Volodymyr Arshulyk, Serhii Karaiev, Oleksandr Doichuk, Zynovii Syherych, Andrian Kulbaba, and Oleh Vovk guilty of "committing a terrorist act as a group with prior conspiracy, resulting in severe consequences."