Russia-Ukraine War Enters 1,426th Day of Ongoing Conflict

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Key Developments from Day 1,426 of Russia’s War on Ukraine

On Tuesday, January 20, Russian forces launched a barrage of drone attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, resulting in power outages in five regions across the country. According to Ukrainian officials, the attacks targeted energy and gas facilities, causing damage to infrastructure and disrupting services.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched 145 drones at targets in Ukraine, with 126 successfully intercepted by air defenses. In Odesa region, regional governor Oleksiy Vadatursky confirmed that one person was injured in an attack on the southern city’s energy and gas infrastructure.

DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, stated that its facility in Odesa suffered “substantial” damage, affecting 30,800 households. Additionally, Russian forces targeted Kharkiv with missiles on Monday, damaging a critical infrastructure facility according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

Russian forces have taken control of settlements in Pavlivka and Novopavlivka, in Ukraine’s Zaporizhia and Donetsk regions, respectively. The Ministry of Defence reported this development, although its claims were not independently verified.

The Czech Republic has rejected a proposal to sell or donate light combat planes that could potentially shoot down incoming Russian drones, according to Prime Minister Andrej Babis. Ukrainian officials face significant challenges in organizing elections since Russia’s 2022 invasion, with infrastructure damaged and millions displaced by the conflict.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced that the Ferosplavna-1 power line has been reconnected to Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal informed the IAEA head about Russian preparations for further strikes on energy facilities, including those supporting nuclear operations.

According to Reuters analysis, Russia’s federal budget is expected to decrease by 46% in January compared to the same month in 2025 due to weaker oil prices and a stronger rouble. Oil and gas revenue are crucial for funding Russia’s war efforts.

Source: Al Jazeera