Main news of the week:

▶ Over the past week, the oil slick resulting from the environmental disaster caused by the December 15 collision of two Russian tankers in the Kerch Strait has spread to large areas, including from Cape Aya to Cape Foros, in Yalta Bay, the area of Hurzuf, Ayu-Dag, and the protected Biliaus Spit, which serves as a barrier between the salt lake Donuzlav and the Black Sea. Additionally, on January 9, pollution was reported in the Yevpatoriia district of Crimea, particularly along the coast near the village of Znamianske. Since the incident, approximately 260.28 tons of contaminated sand have been collected and removed.

▶ According to open-source information, explosions were heard over occupied Crimea on January 10, specifically in Kerch.

Invaders’ crimes:

▶ As of January 13, the occupiers have illegally imprisoned 218 individuals, including 132 Crimean Tatars. Of these, 43 are under arrest (28 Crimean Tatars), 151 are imprisoned (97 Crimean Tatars), and 26 are held without status (6 Crimean Tatars).

▶ 1139 cases were filed under Article 20.3.3 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation in so-called “courts” in occupied Crimea. In 993 cases, administrative fines or combined rulings were issued. Proceedings continue in 42 cases.

▶ A Russian court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced Sevastopol resident Kostiantyn Horpynchenko to 11 years in a maximum-security penal colony on fabricated charges of allegedly attempting to set fire to relay cabinets on orders from the Security Service of Ukraine.

▶ Blind political prisoner Oleksandr Sizikov, illegally sentenced by an occupation “court” to 17 years in a maximum-security penal colony, who was transferred from Simferopol’s Pre-Trial Detention Center No.1 back in December 2024, is currently in transit through Volgograd.

Forcible conscription:

▶ At least 1,657 Russian soldiers from units based in occupied Crimea have been killed, 1,117 of whom were likely Ukrainian citizens. The actual number of casualties is believed to be higher as Russia conceals actual losses.

▶ At least 101 servicemen from occupied Crimea, most likely Ukrainian citizens, have been confirmed as captured.

Militarization of the Crimean Peninsula:

▶ Agents of the ATESH resistance movement continue to gather intelligence on the facilities of occupation forces in Crimea. In particular, significant reinforcement of air defense systems, including S-400 launchers and radar stations, has been detected at the Hvardiiske military airfield near Simferopol. Additionally, agents in Yevpatoriia reported the establishment of a fortified observation post with military equipment and guards in an abandoned high-rise building. Furthermore, in the Yevpatoriia district, a headquarters of the occupiers with numerous vehicles, enhanced security, and personnel were discovered at a sanatorium on Morska Street. Moreover, near Dzhankoi, the movement of a large convoy of equipment was observed, consisting of personnel, artillery, fuel tankers, and ammunition for air defense systems.

Propaganda of the occupation administrations and incitement to hostility:

▶ On January 7, the Taigan Lion Park reported the cremation of 68 birds, primarily grebes and loons, that had died from fuel oil intoxication. As of January 7, around 400 birds remain in the park.

Civil Resistance:

▶ Occupation administration forces detained and forced Oleksii Silin, a resident of Dzhankoi, to apologize after he tore down and trampled on a Russian tricolor flag from a neighbor’s house.

▶ Activists of the Yellow Ribbon movement continue their persistent resistance against the Russian occupation of Crimea, demonstrating unwavering loyalty to Ukraine. They call on the peninsula’s residents to join nonviolent resistance efforts by spreading Ukrainian symbols, creating patriotic graffiti, organizing flash mobs, and destroying the invaders’ propaganda materials. Despite the risk of persecution, participants restore Ukrainian memorial sites, conduct informational campaigns, and consistently emphasize that Crimea remains an integral part of Ukraine, inspiring others to join the common fight for its liberation.

▶ Members of the Crimean Combat Seagulls movement continue their targeted efforts to expose collaborators and Russian war criminals on the temporarily occupied peninsula. Every day, at great personal risk, they meticulously document and transmit critical information about the residences, travel routes, financial transactions, and connections of these individuals with the occupation administration. Additionally, activists organize covert resistance actions, distribute leaflets featuring Ukrainian symbols, and expose corruption schemes involving local collaborators and the invaders.

▶ Activists of the Zla Mavka movement tirelessly defend rights and freedoms on the temporarily occupied Crimean Peninsula, transforming its streets into true hubs of resistance. Through patriotic graffiti, stickers, and leaflets, they showcase the unyielding Ukrainian spirit, challenging the illusion of total control by the occupiers. Their actions aim to reveal Russian propaganda and draw attention to human rights abuses in the region. These brave participants inspire Crimean residents, embodying resilience and reminding everyone that the struggle for independence continues and that the liberation of the peninsula is only a matter of time.

The Mission continues to receive inquiries from Ukrainian citizens who want to leave Crimea because they cannot tolerate the occupation and total propaganda. We remind you of our instructions on how to leave temporarily occupied Crimea: https://cutt.ly/FwtiajlS

We thank the aware Ukrainian citizens in occupied Crimea for their prompt reports on the situation on the Crimean Peninsula, in particular on the socio-economic situation, the positions of Russian troops, the resistance movements to the occupation, etc. For more information, please send an e-mail to the press service of the Mission:  [email protected].

Glory to Ukraine!