On the 1457th day of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Ukrainian forces executed an airstrike on an oil storage facility located in Velikie Luki, a city in the Pskov region of Russia. This operation took place during the night leading into Thursday, and the attack was significant enough to result in a considerable fire at the site. According to Russian sources, it took two days for the Ilski oil refinery involved in the incident to fully extinguish the flames from the attack.

As the conflict continues, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized the importance of not relinquishing control over the Donbas region, asserting that this territory cannot simply be handed over. He has called for national solidarity and urged citizens to prioritize the wellbeing of the country. Furthermore, Zelensky suggested that peace negotiations might resume as early as February, amidst skepticism from European intelligence leaders about the potential for reaching a peace settlement in Ukraine this year. The ongoing military efforts have resulted in substantial losses for the Russian forces, with an reported 830 soldiers lost in just one day according to Ukrainian officials.

In related news, U.S. President Donald Trump has officially extended some sanctions against Moscow for another year, highlighting the continued geopolitical ramifications of the conflict and the international community's stance against Russia's aggression. These developments underscore a complex situation where military engagement continues to shape diplomatic discussions and international responses to the war, especially as the prospect of negotiations hangs in the balance while military operations persist.