Russia announced on Wednesday that its forces had gained control of a settlement in eastern Ukraine, while Ukraine reported pushing back multiple Russian attacks.
The Russian Defense Ministry said in a daily briefing that its forces had taken control of the settlement of Kalinovo in the Donetsk region.
Russian forces also carried out strikes on Ukrainian military airfields, an assembly site of unmanned surface boats, ammunition production facility, and repair plant of armored vehicles, said the ministry.
In addition, the ministry claimed that Russian air defense systems shot down 223 Ukrainian drones over the past 24 hours.
On the same day, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that 111 clashes took place along the frontlines over the past 24 hours, with Ukrainian troops repelling Russian offensives in several directions.
Russia gains control of settlement in Donetsk, Ukraine repels multiple Russian attacks
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that Iran has obtained extensive documents and evidence linking the recent unrest across the country to the U.S. and Israel, noting that Mossad agents attempted to direct such "terrorist acts."
Araghchi said at a press conference in Tehran that since Dec 28, 2025, Iran had seen peaceful demonstrations organized by industry associations and economic professional. In the following days, more participants joined, and the situation gradually escalated from peaceful rallies into violent clashes.
Beginning on Jan 8, terrorists and armed groups carrying weapons entered protest sites and opened fire on police and civilians, with the aim of steering demonstrations toward violence, bloodshed and chaos, he said.
"Israeli media reports are rife with claims that Israel has designed and conducted operations in Iran. Mr. [Mike] Pompeo, who was Trump's CIA director, said on his X that 'Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also to every Mossad agent walking beside them.' This clearly shows that Mossad agents attempted to direct such terrorist acts," the minister said. Addressing military threats from the U.S. and Israel, Araghchi said Iran does not seek war but is fully prepared to face up to war. He added that Iran is ready for serious and pragmatic negotiations with the U.S., but the talks must be based on fairness, equality and mutual respect, rather than unilateral pressure or directives from Washington.
On the same day, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the U.S. and Israel at a regular press briefing in Tehran. He said the two countries have made "extensive interventionist remarks" regarding Iran's situation, saying such statements are intended to foment chaos, violence and instability.
The spokesman said Iran is closely monitoring the development of the situation and remains fully prepared, warning that Iran's armed forces will respond to any act of aggression by its enemies.
Mossad agents attempt to direct terrorist acts: Iranian FM
