Politics

Key Developments in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Day 1,054

Monday 13 January 2025 - 15:02

Military Actions:

Russian forces have made significant territorial advances, claiming control over the Ukrainian villages of Yantarne in the eastern Donetsk region and Kalinove in northeastern Kharkiv. Russian artillery strikes have caused significant damage to electrical infrastructure in the Kherson region, leaving around 23,000 households without power. The shelling also targeted residential areas, including two apartment buildings and eight private homes. Additionally, the Russian Ministry of Defence reported 139 missile, drone, and artillery attacks on Ukrainian military positions in the past 24 hours.

Diplomatic and International Developments:

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy offered to exchange captured North Korean soldiers for Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia. In the international arena, Sweden confirmed the deployment of three warships and a surveillance aircraft to the Baltic Sea following reports of Russian sabotage involving an oil tanker from Russia’s “shadow fleet.” Serbian President Vucic has proposed a summit between Russian President Putin and US President-elect Trump, with preparations reportedly underway. Hungary also expressed concerns over new US sanctions on Russian oil and gas, prompting discussions with regional allies to address these challenges.

Environmental Concerns:

An emergency response team has been deployed to the Krasnodar region in southern Russia, more than a month after two oil tankers, affected by a storm, caused an oil spill in the Kerch Strait. This region, which connects Krasnodar to the Crimean Peninsula, has been heavily impacted by the incident, with ongoing efforts to mitigate environmental damage.