Russia-Ukraine: List of Key Events, Day 1,211

As of Thursday, June 19, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to intensify, marked by a devastating Russian offensive on Kyiv earlier this week. The death toll has now reached 28, with 130 others wounded, while rescue operations remain in progress. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the attack involved 440 drones and 32 missiles. While Moscow described the strikes as targeted assaults on military-industrial sites in the Kyiv area, video evidence reveals extensive damage to residential buildings.

In another development, Russian forces claimed control over the village of Novomykolaivka in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region, an area that has seen persistent hostilities since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

On the diplomatic front, President Vladimir Putin addressed foreign journalists, downplaying speculation that Russia intends to engage NATO directly. He criticized NATO's military buildup but emphasized it posed no immediate threat to Moscow. However, Putin warned that Germany could be seen as a direct participant in the conflict if it provides Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles—a move Germany's Ministry of Defence has so far resisted.

Putin labeled Germany as a supporter of Ukraine rather than a neutral actor and suggested its involvement might reach the level of complicity in the war. Nonetheless, he expressed openness to meeting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, although he questioned Germany’s suitability as a peace mediator.

Regarding peace talks, Putin said he is only willing to meet President Zelenskyy during the final stage of negotiations aimed at ending the war. Last month, he declined an invitation to a summit in Istanbul for direct talks with the Ukrainian leader.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy is expected to attend a NATO gathering in The Hague next week, where member states will debate increasing defense expenditures to 5 percent of their GDP.

In terms of sanctions, Canada unveiled a new round targeting 77 individuals, 39 organizations, and 200 oil tankers tied to Russia's covert shipping operations. Prime Minister Mark Carney also announced an additional $1.47 billion in military aid to support Ukraine’s defense efforts.