Russia launched a mass missile attack against Ukraine this morning

Ukrainian air defense downs 77 out of 117 targets, 27 disappeared from radars.

Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine on January 15, targeting critical energy infrastructure with over 40 missiles and 70 drones, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported via Telegram. The strikes focused on gas facilities and power systems essential for daily life, yet Ukraine's air defense managed to intercept at least 30 missiles, ensuring the energy system remained operational.

Zelenskyy acknowledged the efforts of air defense and other units involved, emphasizing the urgent need to bolster Ukraine's defensive capabilities. He also urged NATO and Ukraine's allies to fulfill their commitments, including agreements to license air and missile defense systems production. These promises, he stated, are both realistic and essential for Ukraine's security.

Ukraine returned 25 Ukrainian POWs from Russian captivity, including Azovstal defenders

Ukraine successfully achieved the release of 25 civilians and military personnel from Russian captivity, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Jan. 15. Among those freed were defenders of Mariupol, the Azovstal steelworks, and soldiers who fought in Kharkiv, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Russia’s Kursk Oblast. The exchange was contributed by reciprocal repatriation, with support from the UAE.

Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s ongoing commitment to returning all its people from captivity and thanked the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War for their tireless efforts. Many of the freed individuals suffer from severe injuries, illnesses, or conditions such as amputations, vision loss, tuberculosis, cancer, and gangrene, highlighting the harsh conditions endured in captivity. The youngest returnee is 24 years old. All will receive comprehensive medical care and rehabilitation upon their return to Ukraine.

500,000 tonnes of Russian oil products are stuck at sea due to the US sanctions

Recent LSEG data reveals that nearly 500,000 tonnes of Russian oil products remain stranded on tankers impacted by new U.S. sanctions introduced on Jan. 10. These sanctions target over 180 vessels and insurance companies, adding to earlier restrictions by the UK and EU and causing significant global trade disruptions.

Among the affected shipments are approximately 280,000 tonnes of fuel oil on four tankers—Cup, Aquatica, Turaco, and Onyx—destined for India, Türkiye, and Singapore. Another vessel, Ariadne, loaded with 35,000 tonnes of oil, is currently near Port Said in Egypt. Additionally, four other tankers carrying 160,000 tonnes of ultra-low sulfur diesel and gas oil are en route to Türkiye or unloading in Brazil.

Although transitional provisions allow some cargoes to be offloaded, traders report a slowdown due to compliance concerns and heightened scrutiny over sanctions.