(UKRAINE, BLACK SEA REGION) – Ukraine has intensified its military campaign against Russian targets, striking what Moscow describes as four additional Russian shadow fleet tankers in the Black Sea while continuing a sustained assault on energy and logistics facilities inside Russia and in occupied Ukrainian territories. Russian authorities say the vessels were attacked near the port city of Novorossiysk, though independent verification and imagery were not immediately available.
Ukrainian operations have increasingly focused on limiting Russia’s ability to finance and sustain the war. Alongside maritime strikes, Ukrainian forces have repeatedly targeted oil, gas and power infrastructure, including liquefied petroleum gas terminals and thermal power plants. Recent satellite images indicate fresh damage to loading piers and pumping stations at an LPG terminal in the Krasnodar region, raising further doubts about its continued operation.
In southern Russia, drones struck the Novocherkassk thermal power plant in the Rostov region, causing local outages. Ukrainian forces have also hit a major thermal power plant in Oryol in successive attacks, as Kyiv seeks to respond to Russia’s continued bombardment of Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Russian occupied Mariupol has reportedly experienced power cuts following drone strikes, adding to the hardship faced by civilians living under occupation.
Ukrainian officials say these actions are part of a broader effort to disrupt Russia’s military production and air defence network. A drone manufacturing facility in Taganrog was reportedly destroyed, while multiple radar and surface to air missile systems were hit in separate operations. Ukrainian commanders argue that these strikes are degrading Russia’s ability to protect key assets and sustain offensive operations.
On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces report slowing Russian advances. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Russian losses have averaged at least 1,000 killed per day since December, describing this as the price Moscow is paying simply to prevent the war from ending. He has called for continued support from Europe, the United States and other partners, warning that unchecked aggression threatens global security.
Military analysts point to the growing effectiveness of Ukrainian drones, including fibre optic guided systems capable of operating over long distances without radio signals. These systems have reduced Russia’s ability to move troops and supplies safely, forcing Russian units to experiment with improvised countermeasures that have so far shown little success.
In a symbolic setback for the Kremlin, Ukrainian forces raised their flag over the city hall in a contested city after clearing remaining Russian troops. This came despite earlier claims by the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin that the city had been captured, claims that were promoted to visiting foreign journalists. Fighting and drone activity continue in the area, but Ukrainian forces say they control the city centre.
Russia has responded with intensified missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, particularly targeting energy infrastructure during winter conditions. In Kyiv, where temperatures have fallen to minus one degree Celsius, Russian strikes have damaged heating and water systems. Bursting pipes and frozen infrastructure have left hundreds of residents without reliable heat, with repairs made more difficult by ongoing cold weather.
Ukrainian authorities say emergency and energy workers are restoring services under constant threat of renewed attacks. Repairs are under way in Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv and across eastern regions, with officials stressing that similar Russian tactics failed in previous winters and will not force Ukraine into surrender in 2026.
Beyond Ukraine, instability is growing in Iran, where widespread protests have continued for more than a week amid reports of a nationwide internet shutdown. Demonstrations in Tehran and other cities are being met with severe repression. Iranian authorities have warned of public executions of anti regime protesters, prompting international concern. Ukrainian leaders have expressed solidarity with the Iranian people, arguing that internal upheaval in Iran weakens one of Russia’s key partners.
In Washington, US president Donald Trump has again drawn attention with statements suggesting Ukraine has limited leverage without his involvement, while declining to commit to defending Kyiv against future Russian attacks. Trump has also threatened tariffs on countries doing business with Iran, though critics note that such measures would be unlikely to affect Russia or other major Iranian trading partners. Jakony.com® views such statements with scepticism, given past inconsistencies and their potential impact on Ukraine’s security.
Meanwhile, Norway has announced financial support of NOK 4.3 billion, equivalent to about USD 400 million at current exchange rates, to help Ukraine cover energy costs and pay teachers and doctors. The funding underscores continued European backing as the war enters another year.
Despite the destruction and hardship, signs of resilience persist. Civilian initiatives and humanitarian efforts continue across Ukraine, including cultural and educational activities aimed at supporting children living under constant threat. Ukrainian officials say these efforts reflect a broader determination to endure and rebuild, even as the conflict shows no sign of ending.
