**US Believes Sanctions Are More Effective Than Labeling Russia as Terror Sponsor**
The US government thinks that imposing large-scale sanctions on Russia is a more effective way to achieve their goals than labeling the country as a state sponsor of terrorism. This was said by Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the US State Department.
Miller explained that recent US sanctions have had real effects, such as stopping tankers carrying Russian oil from sailing worldwide. He also noted that calling Russia a terror sponsor could make it harder to help people in need and complicate operations in the region.
**US Sanctions Over 150 Entities**
The US Treasury has imposed new sanctions on over 150 entities and individuals, including companies in Russia’s defense industry and those helping them evade sanctions. They have also expanded measures against almost 100 entities already under sanctions for their ties to Russia’s military-industrial complex.
**Russia Attacks Ukraine**
On January 15, Russia launched attacks on Ukraine using cruise and ballistic missiles, targeting critical infrastructure in several regions. The US has imposed new sanctions following these attacks.
**Ukraine Repels Russian Assault**
The Ukrainian army successfully repelled a Russian attack near the village of Zhuravka in Sumy Oblast. A Russian reconnaissance drone was also shot down by anti-aircraft gunners and pilots from the 63rd Brigade.
**UK to Provide Military Aid**
The UK will give new military aid to Ukraine, including artillery shells, an air defense system, and training for allied nations.
**Ukraine Seeks Compensation**
The International Register of Damage for Ukraine has started accepting applications from families who lost relatives due to Russia’s invasion. The government announced this on January 16.
**Russia Claims to Have Damaged Ukrainian Facility**
Russia said it had damaged a natural gas storage site in Lviv Oblast, but the General Staff denied this, saying that at least three drones caused a large-scale fire at the facility.
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