Russia-Ukraine War Key Developments Day 1,197

Russian drone strikes targeted apartment buildings in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, causing fires and injuring at least nine people, according to the city’s mayor. In response, Ukraine launched drone attacks against energy facilities in Russian-controlled territories of the Zaporizhia and Kherson regions. Russian-installed authorities confirmed that these attacks cut off electricity to 97 settlements, affecting approximately 68,000 residents.

The Russian Ministry of Defence reported the capture of Ridkodub in eastern Ukraine and Kindrativka in the Sumy region. In Crimea, a Ukrainian assault on the bridge connecting mainland Russia to the annexed peninsula resulted in an explosion, although the Kremlin stated the structure was not damaged.

Ceasefire Talks and Rising Tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukrainian leadership of lacking genuine interest in peace, referring to a recent bombing in western Russia that killed seven and injured over 100 as a terrorist attack aimed at disrupting peace efforts. The explosion occurred on a bridge over a railway line used for passenger trains.

Putin also addressed the recent drone strikes deep inside Russian territory with former US President Donald Trump, noting that the attacks targeted strategic bomber bases in Siberia and the far north. According to two US officials, the attack destroyed around 10 Russian warplanes—half the number President Zelenskyy claimed.

Trump’s envoy, Keith Kellogg, warned that the conflict is becoming increasingly dangerous following Ukraine's drone strikes. In Kyiv, President Zelenskyy proposed a temporary ceasefire to facilitate direct talks with Putin. Pope Leo joined diplomatic efforts, urging Putin to move toward ending the conflict in their first direct phone call.

International Diplomacy and Support

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed unconditional support for Russia’s stance on Ukraine during a meeting with Russia’s Security Council Secretary, Sergei Shoigu. Ukraine has been invited to an upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, as confirmed by NATO head Mark Rutte.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans to express strong European backing for Ukraine during a visit with Trump, stressing that every opportunity for peace should be pursued. Germany also advocates for coordinated sanctions against Russia and criticizes Moscow’s lack of serious commitment to negotiations.

Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced that a minerals investment fund, in cooperation with the US, is expected to be operational by the end of the year. The first meeting is scheduled for July.

In Washington, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov revealed that Western allies are ready to finance Ukrainian arms manufacturing in partner nations. UK Defence Secretary John Healey committed to increasing the supply of drones to Ukraine tenfold, with plans to deliver 100,000 units.