Key developments in the Russia-Ukraine war: Day 1,070

The situation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to evolve. On January 29, 2025, key military actions and political developments were reported from both sides.

Military Activity:

Ukraine’s forces successfully intercepted 65 out of 100 drones launched from Russia overnight, with 28 drones failing to reach their targets. Two drones veered back towards Russia and Belarus, and one stayed within Ukrainian airspace.
In eastern Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, Russian forces claimed control over the Dvorichna settlement, which had previously been under Russian occupation in 2022 but was later retaken by Ukrainian forces.
Ukrainian drone attacks targeted Russian oil and power facilities in the west. While no casualties were reported, a downed drone caused a fire at an industrial site in Kstovo, Nizhny Novgorod. Additionally, a Ukrainian drone aiming at a nuclear facility in Smolensk was destroyed by Russian air defences, with no reported damage or casualties.

Military and Political Developments:

Russian prosecutors have initiated legal proceedings to recover nearly $33 million allegedly embezzled from funds designated for the defence of Kursk. The case involves local officials and businessmen.
Ukraine’s government removed Rustem Umerov, the deputy defence minister responsible for arms procurement, amidst internal conflict regarding Ukraine's procurement process. Umerov had criticized the country’s arms supply efforts for failing to meet the needs of frontline troops. This prompted a criminal investigation into the procurement controversy by Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Bureau.

International Relations and Aid:

The United States is reported to have delivered 90 Patriot missiles to Ukraine via Poland, as part of ongoing military support.
In a related development, Russia expressed interest in resuming gas transit through Ukraine, aligning with the European Commission's plans to continue natural gas discussions for European supplies.
Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy stated that humanitarian projects in Ukraine were halted due to a freeze on US foreign aid. The Ukrainian government intends to partly replace the suspended funds through public financing for critical initiatives.

Diplomatic Responses:

Russian President Putin reaffirmed that while there is a legal basis for negotiations, Moscow believes Kyiv is unwilling to engage in dialogue. He also dismissed the possibility of talks with President Zelenskyy, calling his authority “illegitimate.”
Putin suggested that the conflict could conclude in as little as two months if Western support for Ukraine were to cease, claiming that without continued financial and military aid, Ukraine would quickly collapse.
In response, Zelenskyy accused Putin of fearing strong leadership and prolonging the war for his own purposes. He also emphasized that the Kremlin’s leadership was actively hindering peace efforts.

Finally, the European Union proposed new tariffs on additional agricultural products from Russia and Belarus. However, the implementation of these measures is contingent upon approval from EU member states and the European Parliament.