Key developments in the Russia-Ukraine war: Day 1,078

Military Engagements: The Zaporizhia region in southeastern Ukraine experienced nearly 400 attacks from Russian forces, causing damage to residential buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported the release of 150 Ukrainian soldiers from Russian captivity, some detained for over two years, as part of a mutual exchange brokered by the UAE. Ukraine’s military shot down 57 of 104 Russian drones, with 42 failing to hit their targets, while Russia also launched two Iskander-M ballistic missiles. Moscow claimed to have captured the settlements of Baranivka and Novomlynsk in Donetsk and Kharkiv regions. Ukrainian forces attacked an oil refinery in Russia’s Krasnodar region, which was supplying fuel to Russian troops. In western Ukraine, an explosion near a military recruitment office killed one person and injured four. Russian assaults also resulted in casualties in the Donetsk and Odesa regions. The Ukrainian Defence Ministry is progressing with a project to develop robotic vehicles for military use.

Energy and Infrastructure: A Ukrainian attack caused a natural gas cloud in Astrakhan, Russia, though local authorities reassured residents that the gas posed no hazard. Azerbaijan allocated $1 million for humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, focusing on energy equipment.

Diplomatic and Political Developments: President Zelenskyy extended martial law and mobilization for another three months. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed concern over Ukraine's NATO ambitions, while Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov revealed ongoing, though limited, diplomatic talks with Washington. Lithuania’s Energy Minister announced plans to disconnect from the Russian power grid, which would prevent Russia from using the electricity system for geopolitical leverage. The UK pledged $68.7 million in support to Ukraine. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry condemned Russia for hindering the International Atomic Energy Agency’s mission to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, accusing Moscow of blackmail. In response, Russia’s Mikhail Ulanov claimed Ukraine was trying to impose new conditions for IAEA staff rotations. Peskov dismissed Zelenskyy’s call for direct talks with Putin as “empty words” and criticized his demand for nuclear weapons.

Future Outlook: Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha highlighted Ukraine’s potential to purchase liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US and encouraged American businesses to assist in the country's reconstruction. President Zelenskyy reiterated his desire to hold elections but stated that ongoing wartime conditions make it impossible. The Norwegian Intelligence Service warned of potential Russian sabotage attempts in 2025, especially targeting energy infrastructure or aid to Ukraine.