Key Developments in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict - Day 1,053

Sunday 12 January 2025 - 10:40

Summary of Events on January 12, 2025

Combat Operations:

The Russian Ministry of Defence reported the capture of Shevchenko, a town near Pokrovsk, a strategic logistical center in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region. Ukraine has not yet confirmed the loss of the town. In response, Ukraine’s General Staff claimed to have repelled 46 out of 56 Russian assaults across multiple towns in the Pokrovsk area, with several skirmishes ongoing. Additionally, Ukrainian forces launched a drone strike against a major Russian oil refinery in Taneko, Tatarstan.

Environmental Impact:

An oil spill from damaged Russian tankers has affected the Sea of Azov, reaching the shores of Ukraine’s partially Russian-occupied Zaporizhia region, according to a Moscow-appointed official.

Captive Soldiers:

Ukraine reported capturing two North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region, a claim supported by South Korea’s National Intelligence Service.

Shadow Fleet and Sanctions:

Germany continued efforts to secure a stranded tanker, believed to be part of Russia’s illicit “shadow fleet,” which was carrying almost 100,000 tons of oil. The vessel, named Eventin, was stranded off Germany’s northern coast and was being towed to prevent an oil spill.

Russia condemned new US sanctions imposed on its energy sector, describing them as an attempt to destabilize its economy and global markets. Moscow vowed to continue large-scale oil and gas projects despite these measures.

Diplomatic Tensions:

The US President-elect’s incoming envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, called for a return to a policy of “maximum pressure” on Iran to encourage democratic reforms, during a speech at an Iranian opposition event in Paris. This call comes amid strengthened ties between Russia and Iran since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.