Photo : Russia's Voronezh Oblast. Anadolu Agency
Photo : Russia's Voronezh Oblast. Anadolu Agency
By Neha Tresa George
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 11 January, Ukrinform reported on the statements of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy against Russia’s shadow fleet. He said: “Russia jeopardizes the environment solely to sustain its ability to kill people in Ukraine, so Russia’s tanker fleet must be stopped to end its strikes and threats.” He referred to a damaged Russian tanker as an “oil bomb.” He said the Russian tanker near Germany, which had around 1,00,000 tonnes of oil, was dangerous to the environment and coastline. His main argument was that Russia used this fleet to finance its war against Ukraine. On the same day, Anadolu Agency reported on the telephone conversation held between Biden and Zelenskyy. In the conversation, Biden expressed his “continued support” for Ukraine.
On 10 January, Ukrinform reported on Russia’s attack in the Zaporizhzhia region. According to Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration Ivan Fedor, two were injured. The monitoring group in the city said that Russia was attacking with drones. Air defence systems in the city were activated.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 11 January, RT reported on the Ukrainian attacks targeting several cities in Russia. Drone attacks in Kotovsk city damaged two apartment buildings. Tambov Oblast Governor Evgeny Pervyshov informed about the injury of several due to the attacks. He also talked about the shelter built for the residents of the destroyed apartments. Voronezh Oblast governor Aleksandr Gusev said that over 15 drones were downed in the region. A drone attack was also reported in a tourist town called Anapa, on the Black Sea Coast across Crimea. In addition, the Belgorod region recorded damages in three houses in the village of Maysky from UAVs. Russia’s Defence Ministry noted that over 35 drones were destroyed in the overnight attack.
On 10 January, RT reported on the statements of Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova on the US sanctions against Russia. She referred to Biden’s period as “messy.” She said: “Some people leave a mark on history, while others manage only a mess.” This was a response to a wide range of sanctions imposed by the US on Russia’s oil and gas producers, targeting over 200 entities and individuals.
On 10 January, RT reported on the statements of the press secretary of Russian President Dmitry Peskov about Russia’s President Vladimir Putin’s readiness to hold talks with the forthcoming US President Donald Trump. He added that no further details were finalised. He said: “President Putin has repeatedly stated his openness to contacts with international leaders, including the US president and, in particular, Donald Trump.” He also said that Russia welcomed this initiative to resolve conflict through dialogue. Although no specific details were finalised, he expected the move to progress when Trump assumes office.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 09 January, the US allocated USD 500 million to Ukraine as part of its last military package under US President Joe Biden. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that the fund was allocated under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) and included missiles, air-to-ground munitions, training, transportation and various components for Ukraine’s use of F-16 fighter jets. The remaining money allocated for Ukraine was expected to be granted.
On 10 January, Anadolu Agency reported on the new set of sanctions imposed by the US, against Russia’s energy sector. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced sanctions targeting almost 200 entities and individuals involved in the energy sector, along with senior officials of the State Atomic Energy Corporation. Blinken said: “This wide-ranging, robust action will further constrain revenues from Russia’s energy resources.” The sanctions even included individuals involved in the production and capacity building of liquified natural gas and those promoting the US-sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project. One of the listed entities were Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz. Along with the US, the UK also sanctioned Russia’s energy sector.
References
“Ukrainian drones hit apartment blocks in Russia,” RT, 11 January 2025
“Putin ready for ‘unconditional’ Trump meeting – Kremlin,” RT, 10 January 2025
“Moscow comments on latest US sanctions,” RT, 10 January 2025
“Biden voices 'continued support' for Ukraine in call with Zelenskyy,” Anadolu Agency, 11 January 2025
“US imposes new sanctions on Russia’s energy sector, targets Rosatom officials,” Anadolu Agency, 11 January 2025
“Two people injured as Russians attack Zaporizhzhia,” Ukrinform, 10 January 2025
“Zelensky: Russia’s tanker fleet must be stopped to end Russian strikes and threats,” Ukrinform, 10 January 2025
“Biden administration announces its final military aid package for Ukraine before leaving office,” CNN, 09 January 2025