Wagner Group recruits over 1,000 Russian prisoners to fight in Ukraine

8:23 PM

Ukrainian forces repel Russian assault on border with Russia's Kursk Oblast, military says.

The 67th Separate Mechanized Brigade repelled an assault of Russian troops near the village of Zhuravka in Sumy Oblast on the border with Russia's Kursk Oblast, according to the brigade's Jan. 15 statement.

7:29 PM

Russia

Partners, not allies: What to expect from Russia-Iran agreement set to be signed on Jan. 17

6:55 PM

Ukrainian military releases footage of rare Russian reconnaissance drone downing.

"A rare bird was shot down by anti-aircraft gunners and pilots of the 63rd Brigade — a Russian experimental reconnaissance drone Merlin-VR," the brigade's statement read.

6:39 PM

Sanctions

How Trump could use sanctions in negotiations with Russia

5:21 PM

Trump advisers draft sanctions plan to pressure Moscow toward peace, Bloomberg reports.

Advisers to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump are developing a comprehensive sanctions strategy aimed at facilitating a diplomatic resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war, Bloomberg reported on Jan. 16, citing anonymous sources familiar with the discussions.

4:22 PM

UK pledges $3.6 billion in military support for Ukraine, to deliver artillery barrels, mobile air defense.

The United Kingdom will also provide new military aid for Ukraine, including 150 artillery barrels, a mobile air defense system, and an expanded training initiative with allied nations, the government announced on Jan. 16.

3:57 PM

North Korea

North Korean troops deployed to fight for Russia learn modern warfare — albeit at heavy cost

3:56 PM

Russian drone flew over presidential palace during Zelensky-Starmer meeting, Guardian reports.

The drone was spotted and heard buzzing above the Mariinsky Palace, a presidential residence, located not far from the Presidential Office, The Guardian reported.

3:44 PM

Ukrainian families of war victims can now seek compensation through The Hague's Register of Damage.

The International Register of Damage for Ukraine has begun accepting applications for compensation from families who lost close relatives due to Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine's Presidential Office announced on Jan. 16.

3:17 PM

Ukraine, UK sign 100-year partnership agreement.

The wide-ranging deal encompasses cooperation in military, energy, scientific, cultural, economic, and other sectors.

3:06 PM

North Korean troops to join Russia’s Victory Day for the first time, media reports.

North Korea will reportedly participate in Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9, marking the first such instance in history, the Japanese broadcaster NHK World reported on Jan. 16, citing undisclosed sources.

2:52 PM

Ukrainian drones hit Russian oil depot in Voronezh Oblast, military claims.

At least three drones hit the facility, causing a large-scale fire, the General Staff said.

2:45 PM

Russia claims it struck Lviv Oblast gas storage facilities; Ukraine reports no disruptions.

Russia claimed it had damaged ground facilities at one of Ukraine's largest natural gas storage sites in Lviv Oblast during a series of missile and drone attacks on Jan. 15.

2:35 PM

'You were shot. Why didn't you forgive?' Zelensky tells Fico, drawing parallels to Russian aggression

The Slovak government is playing very dangerous game by criticizing military support for Ukraine and getting closer to Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with the Polish media on Jan. 16.

1:43 PM

Trump sending 'non-public messages' on war, he must force Putin to diplomacy, Zelensky says.

"These are his (Trump's) messages, both public and non-public. And he is a capable leader to put pressure on Russia," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

7:54 AM  (Updated:  January 16, 2025 1:35 pm)

UK PM Starmer visits Kyiv to sign '100 Year Partnership' with Ukraine.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Kyiv on Jan. 16 amid an unannounced visit to the Ukrainian capital, where Starmer is set to sign a wide-ranging "100 Year Partnership" treaty, covering a number of areas including defense, energy, and trade.

1:26 PM

Russian officer jailed for accidentally shooting down own helicopter in Crimea.

A Russian air defense officer stationed in occupied Sevastopol, Igor Pashkov, has been sentenced to two years and 10 months in prison for shooting down a Russian army helicopter after mistaking it for a drone, pro-government outlet Kommersant reported on Jan. 16.

1:08 PM

Ukraine’s Emergency Service denies claims of mass mobilization, says 90% of staff are exempt.

This denial follows opposition MP Oleksii Honcharenko's Telegram post alleging plans for widespread State Emergency Service mobilization after Feb. 28.

12:33 PM

Ukraine extends cooperation with Norwegian NASAMS systems supplier.

Ukraine and Norway discussed the possibility of integrating Ukrainian-made air defense systems into the NASAMS systems "to increase its effectiveness," Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said.

12:08 PM

Russia discusses buying gas for Transnistria in Europe, media reports.

According to the Kommersant's sources, gas may be purchased from January to April in the amount of up to 3 million cubic meters per day. The outlet estimates the price at $164 million. The costs are likely to be compensated by the Russian budget, the newspaper reported.

11:44 AM

Ukrainian paratroopers capture 27 Russian soldiers in Kursk Oblast.

"Among them are officers, sergeants, and privates from motorized rifle units, Marines, airborne troops, and other units, coming from various Russian regions and the occupied city of Sevastopol," the Airborne Assault Troops' press service said.

11:14 AM

Italy's Defense Minister Crosetto arrives in Kyiv on official visit.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto arrived in Kyiv on Jan. 16 for a "series of institutional meetings," Italy's Defense Ministry announced.

10:31 AM

'Ukraine is still free' — Biden touts his admin's accomplishments in farewell speech.

Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden briefly mentioned Ukraine during his farewell speech on Jan. 15, saying his administration helped to preserve the country's freedom.

10:00 AM

Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 4, injure 27 over past day.

Ukrainian forces downed 34 out of 55 drones, including Shahed-type ones, launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported. Another 18 were "lost," it added.

9:33 AM

Ukraine blows up mine shaft to hamper Russian advance to Pokrovsk, NYT reports.

In December, Russian troops advanced to within a mile of mine No. 3, raising fears that they could seize it and use its tunnels to outflank Ukraine's positions, according to the NYT.