Key developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict: January 27 update

On January 27, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war saw continued violence and diplomatic exchanges. In the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, Russian artillery fire resulted in the death of one woman and the injury of four others in nearby Kostiantynivka. Ukrainian military expert Andriy Ryzhchenko pointed out that Pokrovsk is a key economic target for Russia. The Ukrainian military reported 38 attacks by Russian units using artillery at various locations along Ukrainian defense lines.

Ukraine’s armed forces, alongside its defense intelligence, launched multiple strikes on Russia’s Ryazan Oil Refining Company, marking a second attack on the facility within two days. The refinery is one of Russia's four largest oil refineries.

Meanwhile, Russian media reported the capture of the settlements of Zelene and Velyka Novosilka in eastern Ukraine by Russian forces. In response to the growing threat, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy replaced the commander of the Khortytsia operational group responsible for defending Pokrovsk, which remains at risk of falling to Russian control. Major-General Mykhailo Drapatyi was appointed as the new commander.

On the diplomatic front, Zelenskyy offered to provide coal to the breakaway region of Transnistria at discounted or no cost if the region could supply Ukraine with electricity. He also proposed sending a team of experts to help expand Transnistria’s power plant output.

In related developments, members of the Russian Telegram channel Rybar, including its founder Mikhail Zvinchuk, visited Iraq in an attempt to strengthen Russia's influence there, meeting with various Iraqi officials, including Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani.

Poland’s President Andrzej Duda called for NATO member countries to increase their defense spending to at least 3% of GDP to counter the threat of Russian imperialism. Meanwhile, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Russia, appeared set to extend his rule with 87.6% of the vote in the country’s recent presidential election. He also reaffirmed his decision to allow Russian forces to use Belarus as a launch point for their 2022 invasion of Ukraine, stating he has no regrets over this action.