Overnight on January 7, Ukrainian forces struck a fuel depot in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast, causing a large fire, and a logistics warehouse in occupied Donetsk Oblast, according to Ukraine’s General Staff. The fuel depot, which supplied the occupying army, sustained direct hits to its fuel tanks. The strike on the logistics warehouse aimed to disrupt enemy logistics, with the damage being assessed. Additionally, the General Staff provided details on a New Year’s strike on a strategic fuel depot in Yaroslavl Oblast, which resulted in damage to two fuel tanks.
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In an apparent effort to evade U.S. sanctions, the Venezuela-linked oil tanker Bella 1, part of the “dark fleet,” changed its name to Marinera, painted a Russian flag, and reflagged to Russia. This occurred mid-voyage as the vessel was fleeing U.S. Coast Guard interception. Following this, the tanker was spotted off the coast of Ireland, prompting aerial surveillance by the U.S., U.K., France, and Ireland. Russia subsequently deployed a submarine and other naval assets to escort the tanker to its own waters, while the U.S. continues to track the vessel, which has been under U.S. Treasury sanctions since June 2024.
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President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine has yet to receive new air defense systems from the United States, although missile deliveries for existing systems are gradually arriving. He emphasized the need for an accelerated supply of these resources and expressed gratitude to European partners, particularly Norway. Zelensky highlighted air defense as a critical priority, discussing the matter during meetings in December 2025 and at the recent Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris. Furthermore, the Ukrainian delegation noted “concrete results” from the January 6th meeting in Paris, according to Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov.
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Germany has expressed its readiness to contribute to maintaining a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, including deploying troops on NATO territory bordering Ukraine. Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Germany is prepared to offer political, financial, and military support, with the specific nature and scope of the contribution to be decided by the German government and Bundestag. Security guarantees are also under consideration, although the final form of these guarantees remains uncertain until a ceasefire is in place and the coalition of the willing reaches an agreement on a joint course of action.
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U.S. forces are attempting to seize an oil tanker, formerly known as Bella 1 and now the Marinera, allegedly linked to Venezuelan oil and accused of violating U.S. sanctions by transporting Iranian oil. The vessel, which has reportedly been reflagged to Russia, is currently in the North Atlantic and is being escorted by a Russian submarine and other vessels. The U.S. Coast Guard previously attempted to board the ship in the Caribbean, but the vessel has since changed course and is now near the arrival of US military aircraft and helicopters. While Russia claims the ship is operating peacefully within international law, the U.S. is planning to board the ship rather than sink it, according to reports.
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According to Fiona Hill, a former Trump administration advisor, Russian officials proposed a swap in 2019 where the Kremlin would withdraw support for Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela in exchange for the US allowing Russia a free hand in Ukraine. This idea, which surfaced again after the recent US operation to capture Maduro, was communicated through articles referencing the Monroe Doctrine. Hill stated that Russian officials, including the then-ambassador to the US, hinted at this arrangement, but the US showed no interest. Hill further noted that the current situation makes it more difficult for Ukraine’s allies to condemn Russia’s actions, and the Kremlin may be pleased by the US’ actions in Venezuela.
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Reports indicate that a Russian submarine and naval vessels are escorting an oil tanker, which the US Coast Guard attempted to board in the Caribbean due to alleged sanctions violations. The tanker has altered course towards Europe, coinciding with the arrival of US military aircraft. Russia claims the vessel is operating legally in international waters and that it is monitoring the situation with concern. The US has reportedly planned to board the ship and seeks to seize it.
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The United States seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera in the North Atlantic and another sanctioned tanker, the M/T Sophia, in the Caribbean Sea, citing violations of U.S. sanctions related to Venezuela. The Marinera, formerly known as the Bella 1, had been tracked for weeks after attempting to evade a U.S. blockade and change its flag to Russia. Russia has condemned the seizures as violations of maritime law, while U.S. officials state the actions were part of efforts to stabilize Venezuela. The operation also involved the UK and follows rising tensions between Washington and Moscow.
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On January 6, Western allies, including France and the UK, formalized long-term security guarantees for Ukraine by signing a declaration to establish a “Multinational Force for Ukraine” after the war ends. This force will secure Ukraine’s skies and seas, support the rebuilding of its armed forces, and provide logistical support, including military hubs across the country. The agreement paves the way for a legal framework enabling French and UK forces to operate on Ukrainian soil, along with long-term security guarantees and continued military and humanitarian aid. Both leaders also committed to maintaining pressure on Russia through further sanctions and supporting Ukraine’s future prosperity and defense.
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John Q. Hosedrinker