**Ukraine and UK Sign 100-Year Partnership Agreement**
On January 16, Ukraine and the UK signed a historic 100-year partnership agreement. The deal includes cooperation in military, energy, scientific, cultural, economic, and other sectors. This wide-ranging partnership builds on previous agreements between the two countries.
The document published by Ukraine’s Presidential Office outlines the key areas of cooperation, including:
* Military-technical cooperation
* Energy security
* Cybersecurity
* Education and culture
* Economic development
**Ukrainian Drones Hit Russian Targets**
On the same day, Ukrainian drones targeted an oil depot and a gunpowder factory in Russia. The attacks were carried out by Ukrainian military forces using drones.
The strikes on the oil depot and gunpowder factory are part of Ukraine’s efforts to disrupt Russia’s military capabilities. Ukraine has been using drones extensively since the start of the war, with over 200,000 domestically produced drones delivered to front-line units in December.
**Ukrainian Paratroopers Capture Russian Soldiers**
Ukrainian paratroopers captured 27 Russian service members during hostilities in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. The captured soldiers included officers, sergeants, and privates from various Russian regions and the occupied city of Sevastopol.
This is not the first time Ukraine has reported capturing large numbers of Russian soldiers. Last month, Ukrainian forces announced the capture of 23 Russian soldiers during combat operations near Toretsk in Donetsk Oblast.
**Ukraine Extends Cooperation with Norwegian Defense Company**
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov met with executives from Norwegian defense company Kongsberg to discuss cooperation on air defense systems. Ukraine and Norway have agreed to integrate Ukrainian-made air defense systems into the NASAMS system, which has been in service with Ukrainian forces since November 2022.
The meeting also touched on the possibility of localizing production of anti-drone systems in Ukraine. Norway has been one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters in Europe, allocating 2 billion euros for military aid to Ukraine in 2025.
**Ukrainian Military Releases Footage of Rare Russian Reconnaissance Drone Downing**
The Ukrainian military released footage showing the downing of a rare Russian reconnaissance drone called Merlin-VR. The drone was shot down by a Ukrainian first-person-view (FPV) drone, which was equipped with anti-aircraft gunners and pilots from the 63rd Separate Mechanized Brigade.
This is not the first time Ukraine has successfully targeted Russian reconnaissance drones. Throughout the war, both sides have used drones extensively for attack and reconnaissance purposes.
