The Russian Army launched a new attack last night on the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Odesa, hours after the end of a new round of negotiations in Istanbul between Russia and Ukraine, causing massive damage to maritime ports, transportation centers, residential areas, and other civilian infrastructures.
Russian drones have also damaged architectural and historical heritage in the city center under UNESCO protection. Additionally, a Russian attack on the city of Cherkasi in central Ukraine has left at least six people injured.
A woman died in Sochi after a Ukrainian drone attack, with 42 drones intercepted and destroyed by Russian anti-aircraft forces.
An Indian company sent a military explosive compound worth $1.4 million to Russia in December, despite US threats of sanctions against any entity supporting Russia's military efforts in Ukraine.
One of the Russian companies listed as recipients of the compound, known as HMX or octogen, is the explosive manufacturer Promsintez. The US government has identified this "high-power explosive" as "critical to Russia's military effort."
The Russian delegation accepted, in the third round of negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul, the exchange of prisoners with over three years in captivity, especially if they are severely injured or young.
On the other hand, the national unity in Ukraine, which has helped the country resist the Russian invasion, is facing a significant fracture due to the new anti-corruption law by President Volodymyr Zelensky, aimed at eliminating "Russian influence" in the fight against corrupt practices.
Russia Strives to Establish "Security Zones" along the Ukraine Border
Russian forces are working to establish "security zones" along the Ukraine border, as stated by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, following the third round of peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul.
The scope of these "security zones" is not entirely clear, but President Putin mentioned that Russian armed forces have already begun implementing this plan.