Victorious news of 691st day of war: two Russian aircraft downed, Russian soldiers blown up in Melitopol

Resistance blow up Russian car in Melitopol

On January 14, representatives of the resistance movement in the temporarily occupied Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia region, blew up a Russian car, wounding four Russian soldiers.

This Main Intelligence Directorate reported this.

It is noted that a powerful explosion occurred on Gogol Street in Melitopol that day.

"As a result of a special operation carried out by the Ukrainian resistance, a car of the Russian invaders was blown up," the statement says.

According to intelligence, four Russians were injured. The streets adjacent to the scene were blocked, and several cars with medics arrived.

Rakuten Group opens an office in Kyiv

This was reported by the company's press service.

It is noted that Rakuten Viber, Rakuten Advertising, and Rakuten Rewards are currently engaged in software development and digital marketing to "provide valuable technology products and services to users around the world, further strengthening Ukraine's reputation as a centre of IT innovation."

Rakuten plans to make additional hires in the technology sector and appoint a regional manager. Rakuten Viber, a digital wallet, is expected to be launched in Ukraine after its successful implementation in several European countries.

"This service will provide Viber users in Ukraine, where the app is installed on 98% of mobile phones, with improved financial inclusion, including the ability to send money in and out of the country using secure instant messaging transactions," the press service said.

Zaluzhnyi and the Air Force confirm that Ukraine shot down 2 Russian aircraft over the Sea of Azov

On January 15, Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi and the Air Force confirmed the downing of Russian A-50 and Il-22 aircraft. Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk hinted that this was a response to Russia for last year's missile attack on a high-rise building in Dnipro, which killed 46 people.

He wrote this on Telegram.

"The Air Force destroyed an enemy A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft and an IL-22 air control center. I am grateful to the Air Force for the perfectly planned and executed operation in the Azov Sea region!" wrote the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

In addition, the Air Force confirmed the destruction of Russian aircraft as part of a special operation in the Sea of Azov.

" A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft and an enemy IL-22 air control centre were destroyed. The special operation in Azov was successful. To be continued...," the press service of the Ukrainian Air Force said.

Ukraine can receive USD 300 billion from the sale of reparations bonds

Ukraine has the opportunity to raise USD 300 billion by selling bonds that will be secured by future claims against Russia for damages caused during the hostilities.

Reuters reported this.

According to the agency, Kyiv will be able to receive such funds if the securities are purchased by the governments of the European Union and the United States.

At the same time, according to PGIM Fixed Income's chief global economist, Daleep Singh, Ukraine could divide the bonds into several tranches if Western countries did not want to buy all the securities. Governments, he said, could buy the most risky bonds, while ordinary investors could buy the lowest-risk bonds. 

Reuters notes that under this mechanism, the cost of reparations bonds would be paid if Russia agrees to compensate Ukraine for its losses. 

Drone Army destroyed two Russian air defence systems in a week

Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Education, Science and Technology Development and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov wrote this on Telegram.

"Two air defence systems, 44 tanks and 258 strongholds less - is the result of the Drone Army," the statement says.

In addition, between January 8 and 15, UAV units hit another 65 armoured combat vehicles, 33 cannons, 59 trucks, 8 self-propelled artillery systems, and 258 enemy strongholds.

Ukrainian aviation strikes 22 Russian concentration areas

The Ukrainian Armed Forces' General Staff reported this.

During the day, Ukrainian aviation struck 22 Russian military positions and 1 Russian anti-aircraft missile system.

Missile troops struck 3 artillery pieces and 2 enemy radar stations.