EU Renews Sanctions on Russia as Drone Strikes Hit Ukraine
European nations reach unanimous agreement to extend measures against Russia, while humanitarian aid cuts and drone attacks exacerbate Ukraine's challenges.
- The European Union unanimously agreed to extend sanctions against Russia, with Hungary lifting its prior opposition after negotiations on energy security declarations.
- The sanctions, first imposed in February 2022, aim to deprive Moscow of revenue to fund its war and were due to expire on January 31, 2025.
- Russia launched 104 drones across Ukraine overnight, injuring five people in the east and causing damage to infrastructure and homes in multiple regions, including the west.
- Humanitarian projects in Ukraine have been suspended following a U.S. decision to freeze foreign aid for 90 days, impacting numerous NGOs and local initiatives.
- Two individuals in Ukraine's Kharkiv region were sentenced to lengthy prison terms for espionage, while a Russian retiree was jailed for spreading alleged false information about Russian military actions.
Ouest-France 
Le Nouvel Obs 