War in Ukraine: 50 Russian drones shot down and attack on a refinery, Moscow says it controls Velika Novosilka… an update on the situation

Consequences of the attack of a Russian drone in the kyiv region. MAXPPP – TARASOV/Avalon

Every day, Midi Libre takes stock of the situation in Ukraine. This Sunday, January 26, 2025, discover the latest news around this conflict

Ukraine announces that it has shot down 50 Russian drones and attacked a refinery

Ukrainian air defenses shot down 50 of 72 drones launched by Russia overnight and attacked one of Russia’s largest oil refineries, the Ukrainian military said Sunday. Military and civilian authorities did not immediately report casualties or damage. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia had used 1,250 aerial bombs, more than 750 attack drones and more than 20 missiles to attack Ukraine over the past week.

“Only determination can stop such terrorists. We are constantly working with our partners to strengthen our defense capabilities and reduce Russia’s ability to terrorize Ukraine,”, he said on the Telegram messenger. “Long-range capabilities are crucial. Sanctions are essential. It is important to lower the price of oil. The main thing is to act in unity and protect lives with determination,” Zelensky added.

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Kiev's General Staff said on Sunday that its forces had again attacked Russia's Ryazan oil refinery last night, and that explosions and fires had been reported in the targeted area. “The Ryazan oil refinery is one of the four largest refineries in the Russian Federation”, the military said on Telegram. The Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday that its air defense systems had destroyed 15 Ukrainian drones over Russia and two maritime drones in the Black Sea.

Eight drones were shot down over the Ryazan region, six in the Kursk region and one over the Belgorod region overnight. Ryazan Governor Pavel Malkov said Sunday that there were no casualties in the latest drone attacks, but that authorities were still assessing the damage.

Lukashenko has 'no regrets' about letting Russia use Belarus

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said Sunday he had “no regrets” about allowing Belarusian territory to be used as a rear base for Russian forces to invade Ukraine in February 2022.

The Belarusian president, asked by AFP whether he had any regrets given the scale of the toll from the offensive launched nearly three-year-old, replied: “I don't regret anything”.

Moscow says it controls Velika Novosilka in eastern Ukraine

Russia said on Sunday it had taken control of the town of Velika Novosilka in eastern Ukraine.

The Russian Defense Ministry said troops had carried out “offensive actions” and “liberated the town of Velika Novosilka”, which is in western Donetsk region.