The presidents of Russia and Iran have held talks in the Kremlin before the signing of a broad cooperation pact to deepen their partnership amid stinging Western sanctions.

By Vladimir Soldatkin and Andrew Osborn MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday signed a 20-year strategic partnership treaty involving closer defence cooperation that is likely to worry the West.

Russia unleashed a massive missile attack on Ukraine's electrical grid in the early hours of January 15, firing 43 missiles and more than 70 drones. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 30 missiles and 47 drones,

Over the past day, 174 combat clashes were recorded on the frontline. Russians continue to apply pressure near Pokrovsk, Chasiv Yar, Toretsk, and other areas, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Tanks — 9,803 (no change) units, ・Armored combat vehicles — 20,394 (+13) units, ・Artillery systems — 22,040 (+21) units, ・Multiple launch rocket systems — 1,262 (no change) units, ・Air defense systems — 1,