Russian oil storage facility in Velikiye Luki catches fire following alleged enemy drone attack, no injuries reported.
Russia: Oil Storage Fire After Drone Attack
Following an enemy drone attack on an oil storage facility in Velikiye Luki, one of the petroleum product tanks caught fire, reported Pskov region Governor Mikhail Vedernikov overnight from Wednesday to Thursday. By 8 AM, he stated that the fire had been contained and partially extinguished. No injuries were reported.
Video fragments emerged online showing the sound of passing drones, explosions, and flashes of fire.
Ukraine: Peace Negotiations in Geneva
During two days of peace negotiations in Geneva on Tuesday and Wednesday, separate meetings took place between the heads of Ukrainian and Russian delegations, according to Ukrainian media. Kyiv and Moscow acknowledged that the most difficult issues to resolve were those in the so-called political block, while talks in the military block were described as “serious and significant.”
Zelensky’s Reaction to Negotiations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented that military discussions addressed some issues seriously and substantively. However, sensitive political issues, potential compromises, and possible leader meetings have not yet been sufficiently discussed. He expressed hope for further meetings, preferably in February.
White House Responds to Zelensky
In an interview with Axios, Zelensky stated it was “unfair” that Donald Trump publicly pressures Ukraine rather than Russia to make concessions in peace negotiations. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt did not deny such pressure exists but indicated that ending the war is the primary goal for the US president.
