**US Plans to Introduce Sanctions on Russia‘s Shadow Fleet**
The US plans to introduce a big package of sanctions on Russia’s shadow fleet and individuals involved in selling Russian oil above the imposed price cap. Reuters reported this on January 6, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Russia has been able to sell its oil above the $60 per barrel price cap by using hundreds of old tankers with dubious ownership. This has allowed Moscow to bypass Western sanctions and fund its war against Ukraine. The planned US sanctions would target these tankers and individuals involved in selling Russian oil above the cap.
The move comes after G7 countries, along with the EU and Australia, imposed rules on Western operators last year. These rules allow them to insure and transport Russian oil only if it is sold below the established threshold of $60 per barrel. Russia has since redirected its oil flows to China and India, which are willing to purchase oil above the cap.
**Ukraine Targets Russia’s Oil Infrastructure**
Ukraine has also targeted Russia’s oil infrastructure through drone strikes, disrupting production and forcing Russian refineries to sell fuel at a discount. Several refineries have reduced or suspended operations due to the combined impact of sanctions and Ukrainian attacks.
**Russia Loses Soldiers in Ukraine**
President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that up to a battalion of North Korean infantry soldiers and Russian paratroops were killed in battles near the village of Makhnovka in Kursk region. This is in addition to 3,800 North Korean soldiers who have been killed or wounded by Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk Oblast.
**Ukraine Reports High Drone Strikes**
Russian troops launched over 630 attack drones, around 740 guided aerial bombs, and nearly 50 missiles of various types this week. A total of 49% of the targets were struck by kamikaze drones. Ukrainian troops attacked Russian forces in several directions in Kursk Oblast.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com