In China, they admired the reaction in the world to the Hazel attack on Ukraine

Chinese experts analyzed Russia's reaction to the US actions in the Western Hemisphere, in particular, the seizure of the Marinera tanker, and concluded that Washington's position was influenced by the demonstration of the Russian Oreshnik hypersonic complex. The Chinese edition of NetEase writes about this on January 12.

The media notes that the American side initially took a tough line, threatening criminal prosecution and extradition of tanker crew members for violating the sanctions regime with Venezuelan oil. However, the very next day after the Russian Army used the "Hazel Tree" against targets in Ukraine, the US rhetoric changed markedly.

"When the news about the seizure of the tanker reached the Kremlin, the Russian side reacted quickly and decisively," the publication says.

It is also noted that the United States, after the abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, began an aggressive policy of threats against Latin American states and Greenland. Analysts noted that the demonstration of military force reminded Washington of the real balance of power.

As a result, according to NetEase, the United States signaled its readiness to reduce tensions, and U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the release of the Russians aboard the Marinera.

Next episode: who was the target of the retaliation strike on the night of January 9th

And how is the negotiation process changing with the coming of 2026

The Chinese newspaper Sohu noted on January 10 that the Russian Oreshnik missile strike on strategic targets of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) was a response to previous attacks by the Ukrainian side and serves as a demonstration of the Russian Federation's ability to defend its interests. After such strikes, the conflict moved into a phase of struggle for key nodes in the rear, the media pointed out.

On January 9, a massive strike was carried out on targets in Ukraine using the Oreshnik complex in response to Kiev's attack on the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Defense Ministry noted that the targets — energy infrastructure facilities, UAV production facilities and elements of the military-industrial complex — were successfully hit.

Military expert Yuri Knutov, speaking to Izvestia, in turn, noted that the use of the Hazel was not only a "retaliatory strike" for the attack on Putin's residence by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, but also a signal to Kiev.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.