Russia has launched a “massive” missile strike on Ukraine, prompting emergency power cuts in six regions and an air raid alert for the entire country. The Ukrainian energy minister said preventative measures were in force to address the situation.
Earlier, Russia retaliated against Ukraine after Kyiv attacked Russian regions by firing missiles and launching drone attacks. Ukraine struck deep into Russian territory, targeting oil storage facilities, refineries, and ammunition plants.
Australia’s government summoned the Russian ambassador over reports of a Melbourne man being killed while fighting for Ukraine. The Australian prime minister vowed to take strong action if harm was caused to Oscar Jenkins.
Russia’s foreign minister said Moscow was open to talks with US President-elect Donald Trump on resolving the conflict. Trump echoed Russia’s rhetoric justifying its “special military operation” in Ukraine.
Russian troops have taken control of two settlements in the Donetsk region, while a coalmine in eastern Ukraine halted operations due to advancing Russian forces. The European Commission plans to propose a ban on imports of Russian primary aluminium as part of its sanctions package against Russia.
Moscow and Transnistria’s de facto government are discussing ways to resolve their energy crisis. Russia cut off gas to Moldova on January 1, and the leader of Transnistria visited Moscow for talks.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/15/ukraine-war-briefing-australia-summons-russian-ambassador-over-pows-reported-death