The Russian Armed Forces launched a large-scale strike targeting key facilities within Ukraine's fuel and energy infrastructure, the Russian Defense Ministry announced on Friday, asserting that these facilities were critical to the operation of the country's military-industrial complex.

The attack was in response to Kiev's use of six ATACMS missiles against an airfield in Taganrog, the ministry confirmed.

"In response to the use of US long-range weapons, the Russian armed forces carried out a massive strike using high-precision long-range air and sea-based weapons, [as well as] attack unmanned aerial vehicles on critically important objects of the fuel and energy infrastructure of Ukraine, ensuring the operation of the military-industrial complex," the statement read.

The ministry affirmed that the objectives of the strike were achieved, with all intended targets successfully hit. It reiterated that the operation was specifically in retaliation for the December 11 missile attack near Taganrog.

Retaliation for Taganrog attack

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Friday that the destruction of Ukraine's energy facilities was, among other reasons, a response to attacks on the Taganrog airfield by Ukrainian forces. 

When asked if the large-scale assault on Ukraine's energy facilities was linked to the attacks on Taganrog, Peskov replied, "Among other things."

Trump's statements coincide with Moscow's position

Commenting on Trump's remarks that he is against the strikes by the Ukrainian armed forces deep into Russia with US long-range missiles because it leads to an even greater escalation of the conflict, which he made in an interview with Time magazine, Peskov said they coincide with Moscow's position. 

"The statement completely coincides with our position. That is, in this case, we have the same vision of the reasons for the escalation. And, of course, we like it. That is, well, it is obvious what exactly is escalating the situation around the conflict," Peskov told reporters.

He asserted, however, that it is probably not worth running ahead and trying to predict what actions will be taken, adding that time will tell what actions will be after the inauguration.

Peskov called speculations that the settlement in Ukraine will be easier with Trump taking office "premature", adding that the sanctions of the Trump administration should be kept in mind.

Battleground gains

This is happening as the Russian Defense Ministry announced that Vostok (East) forces have liberated seven settlements and secured control over more than 300 square kilometers (115 square miles) within a month.

During a working meeting at the Vostok command post, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov received reports from commanders.

"The commander of the Vostok group of forces, Lt. Gen. Andrey Ivanaev reported to the Russian defense minister that during the month the group’s units have liberated seven settlements and taken control of a section of territory with a total area of over 300 square kilometers," the statement said.

Ivanaev further noted that the Russian military's use of high-precision weapons and attack drones had inflicted significant losses on the enemy in both equipment and personnel. The ministry also highlighted that Belousov was briefed on advancements in weapon modernization, aimed at enhancing the fight against enemy drones and communication systems, and shown samples of robotic complexes.

In recognition of their efforts, Belousov expressed gratitude to the command staff for their combat achievements and presented state awards to distinguished service members, the ministry added.

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