On the 1,008th day of the Russia-Ukraine war, key developments included Russian forces taking control of Nova Illinka near Kurakhove in eastern Ukraine, a drone attack on Kyiv wounding three people, and Russia putting its Sarmat missile on combat duty. Ukraine’s air defenses downed Russian drones, while US officials suggested lowering the military service age in Ukraine.
In politics, a German detained in Poland was charged with illegally exporting goods to Russian military plants. NATO may invoke Article 5 due to Russia’s acts of sabotage, and Donald Trump assigned a special envoy for the conflict. Ukrainian Defense Minister discussed security with South Korea, while Moscow dismissed the idea of giving Ukraine nuclear weapons.
Military aid is being prepared, including a $725m weapons package from the US for Ukraine, and other countries pledging support. Russia warned against US missile stationing in Japan, and a Moscow councillor staged an antiwar protest during a trial.
President Zelenskyy will sign Ukraine’s 2025 budget, calling for wartime tax increases. Russia’s Foreign Ministry criticized the West’s proposal of nuclear weapons for Ukraine, and Deputy Foreign Minister warned against escalation. The ongoing conflict continues to escalate, with both sides engaged in military and diplomatic maneuvers.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
