**Russian Tankers Diverted off China’s Coast**
Three tankers carrying over 2 million barrels of Russian crude oil have been floating off China’s coast. The vessels were hit by fresh U.S. sanctions last week.
The tankers, part of the so-called “shadow fleet,” are used to evade sanctions targeting Russia‘s oil trade. This development follows extensive sanctions on Russia’s oil sector announced by the U.S. and U.K. on Jan. 10.
The Huihai Pacific, Mermar, and Olia were carrying crude from Russia’s Kozmino port. They have diverted from their planned ports in China. The Huihai Pacific was initially headed for Dongjiakou in Shandong province but is now offshore. The Mermar and Olia were bound for Yantai and are sitting in the Yellow Sea.
**China’s Ties with Russia Deepen**
China has deepened its ties with Russia since the start of the Kremlin’s full-scale war against Ukraine. However, Beijing has denied accusations of supporting Russia’s military efforts.
The mounting economic pressure has forced many Chinese financial institutions to scale down their ties with Russia, fearing secondary sanctions.
**Ukraine Conflict Update**
There are reports of a suspected sabotage of several underwater cables in the Baltic Sea. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Jan. 12 that Sweden will increase its military presence in the area through the deployment of three warships and a radar reconnaissance aircraft.
Russian forces launched over 100 drones at Ukraine overnight from various directions, according to Ukraine’s Air Force. There were multiple casualties, including one person killed in the village of Hryshyne in Donetsk Oblast.
**Global Reaction**
The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said there is no sense in speculating on the point that the war may not end in Ukraine’s favor under the new administration.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky called for a significant blow to Russia’s financial foundation, saying that Ukraine is ready to hand over its people to North Korea if they can organize an exchange for Ukrainian soldiers held captive in Russia.