(MOSCOW, KYIV, DAVOS, SWITZERLAND AND WASHINGTON, DC) – Ukrainian forces have struck the same liquefied petroleum gas export terminal in southern Russia for the third time since December, underscoring Kyiv’s campaign to degrade Russia’s energy export capacity. The attack targeted the LPG terminal near Taman on the Black Sea coast, where at least four fuel storage tanks were reported to be burning following a drone strike.
Ukrainian officials released drone footage showing strikes on loading cranes and storage facilities rather than vessels docked at the terminal, apparently to avoid environmental damage in the Black Sea. Despite repeated attacks and visible damage, the terminal is believed to be operating at reduced capacity, reflecting Russia’s continued reliance on energy exports for revenue and its limited ability to defend exposed infrastructure.
The strike coincided with renewed international enforcement actions against vessels linked to Russian energy exports. The United States confirmed the seizure of another sanctioned tanker in the Caribbean Sea. US Southern Command said the operation was carried out without incident and involved a vessel previously used to transport oil connected to sanctioned networks. The tanker is part of what Western governments describe as a shadow fleet operating to bypass sanctions.
French authorities separately confirmed the seizure of a tanker in the Mediterranean Sea that had sailed from Russia and was suspected of operating under a false flag. The French Navy boarded the vessel on the high seas off the coast of Spain in coordination with allied partners. French President Emmanuel Macron said the operation complied fully with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and that a judicial investigation had been opened. The vessel has been diverted pending legal proceedings.
France stated that shadow fleet operations contribute directly to financing Russia’s war against Ukraine and that enforcement of sanctions would continue. The seizure follows a growing pattern of maritime interdictions aimed at disrupting Russian energy revenues.
On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces reported the destruction of a Russian ammunition depot in occupied territory in the Donetsk region, with satellite imagery showing the site completely erased following a large explosion. Ukrainian military officials said the depot had stored a high concentration of munitions, which they described as a legitimate and significant target.
Ukrainian forces also released footage showing the destruction of Russian air defence systems concealed in wooded areas of Kharkiv Oblast. Officials said Russian air defence capabilities have become increasingly strained, with multiple incidents reported in which Russian systems malfunctioned, including cases where missiles reportedly fell back onto Russian residential areas.
Russian soldiers assigned to protect infrastructure inside Russia have complained of low pay, reportedly as little as 12,000 roubles per week, equivalent to approximately 130 US dollars, and of unpaid bonuses for intercepting Ukrainian drones. Analysts say the practice reflects Russia’s efforts to mobilise additional personnel without formally announcing a wider call up.
Ukraine’s Defence Minister said Kyiv aims to inflict up to 50,000 Russian combat losses per month as part of a data driven strategy focused on drones, artificial intelligence and asymmetric warfare. Ukrainian officials say current Russian losses already approach 30,000 per month, largely due to drone operations, and that increased domestic drone production is accelerating the trend.
Fibre optic controlled drones, which are resistant to electronic jamming, have become central to Ukraine’s battlefield strategy. Ukrainian forces say these systems are allowing precise strikes against artillery positions, ammunition depots and personnel across occupied territories, significantly reducing Russia’s ability to concentrate forces safely.
At the same time, Russia has continued large scale strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Ukrainian authorities reported that parts of Kyiv were left without electricity, heating and water following recent attacks. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said millions of residents were affected, forcing some to leave the city amid freezing winter conditions. Ukrainian emergency workers continue repairs under extreme strain, with officials reporting cases of exhaustion, frostbite and fatalities among utility crews.
The situation unfolded alongside political tensions at the World Economic Forum in Davos. US president Donald Trump dominated headlines with renewed rhetoric about Greenland, temporarily overshadowing discussions on Ukraine. Trump later ruled out the use of force and suspended tariff threats following market volatility and diplomatic pushback, including resistance from Denmark and Greenland’s parliament.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney used his Davos speech to warn that economic interdependence is increasingly being weaponised by major powers, citing Russia’s use of energy dependence against Europe as a cautionary example. He urged democratic states to act collectively and decisively rather than accommodate coercive tactics.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received a standing ovation at Davos, calling on European states to move from discussion to action and warning that failing to confront aggression early only emboldens authoritarian regimes. He argued that Ukraine’s experience has direct implications for Europe’s future security.
Despite diplomatic activity, Ukrainian officials said no concrete progress toward a ceasefire has been made, while Russian forces continue attacks across Ukraine.
