Russia launched its first major missile strike of 2025, targeting gas infrastructure across western Ukraine. Strategic bombers Tu-95MS took off from Olenia base at 1:20 AM, launching cruise missiles alongside Kalibr missiles from other platforms. The attack focused on gas facilities in Kharkiv, Lviv, and Ivano-Frankivsk regions, with air defenses intercepting 30 of 43 missiles.
The day's first prisoner exchange of 2025 returned 25 Ukrainians, including Azovstal defenders and severely wounded soldiers. This followed the previous day's extensive Ukrainian drone operation against Russian territory.
By evening, new US sanctions targeted Russian sanctions-evasion schemes through China and Kyrgyzstan. Reports emerged of Trump team's expectations for peace talks within months, with Russia preparing demands for Ukraine to cut NATO ties. The Azov regiment captured 23 Russian soldiers near Toretsk, while Ukrainian forces claimed to destroy 90% of Russian equipment in the Lyman direction using drones and artillery.