**Over 130 People Evacuated from Donetsk Oblast**
On January 12, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported that 132 people, including 12 children, were evacuated from the front-line area of Donetsk Oblast. This evacuation effort is part of a larger push to get civilians out of the region due to fierce Russian offensives and daily attacks.
Despite calls for evacuation, many civilians remain in Ukrainian-controlled parts of Donetsk Oblast. According to Filashkin, around 307,000 people are still living in these areas.
**Russian Attacks Continue**
Over the past day, Russian troops shelled settlements in Donetsk Oblast 20 times, killing one person and injuring five others. Two more people were injured in a separate attack. A total of over 60 houses were damaged due to these attacks.
Russian forces continue to push on several axes, including Lyman, Siversk, Kramatorsk, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Kurakhove. These areas have been the focal point of the Russian eastern offensive for five months now.
**Global Reaction**
The European Commission plans to begin drafting new sanctions against Russia next week, with the goal of approving a package on February 24 – the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has accused President Volodymyr Zelensky of blackmailing European leaders for support at a parliamentary meeting. However, many world leaders continue to show solidarity with Ukraine.
**Ukraine and International Support**
Outgoing US President Joe Biden expressed hope that US support will continue even after he leaves office. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry also announced plans to purchase Italian-made air defense systems using profits from immobilized Russian assets.
Russia’s main goals in any peace negotiations, according to a former Kremlin official, include prohibiting Ukraine from ever entering NATO and reducing allied military presence in the eastern flank.
**Other Developments**
Afghanistan became the largest importer of Russian flour in 2024. A drone strike hit the Taneko oil refinery in Tatarstan. Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called Russian President Vladimir Putin a “f***ing idiot”.
A group of volunteers from Poland has joined the Ukrainian military’s International Legion, and Kyiv and Rome are discussing the possibility of purchasing Italian-made air defense systems.
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