Key developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict on day 1,224

As of Wednesday, July 2, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues with significant events:

Combat and Attacks

A Ukrainian drone strike targeted an industrial facility in Izhevsk, central Russia, resulting in three deaths and 35 injuries, according to the regional governor. The drone hit the Kupol Electromechanical Plant, which manufactures air defense systems and drones for the Russian military, as confirmed by a Ukrainian security official. Meanwhile, a Russian assault on a vehicle evacuating civilians in Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, caused one fatality and injured a police officer.

Russian forces reported shooting down 60 Ukrainian drones overnight across several areas, including 17 over Crimea, 16 over Rostov, and four over Saratov. The Ukrainian Air Force stated that Russia launched 52 Shahed and decoy drones during the night.

The International Atomic Energy Agency informed that a drone attack last week near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant damaged multiple vehicles close to the cooling pond.

Weapons and Military Aid

Ukraine’s Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov, announced a new cooperative weapons production initiative with the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, comprising around 50 nations. This program aims to establish new factories within Ukraine and abroad, supported by a specialized legal and tax framework.

Reports indicate that the Pentagon has paused some shipments of air defense missiles and precision weapons to Ukraine due to concerns over U.S. stock levels, though no official comment has been made.

In the UK, a Russian-British dual citizen appeared in court accused of sending cryptocurrency to pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine to purchase weapons.

Diplomatic Efforts

French President Emmanuel Macron urged a ceasefire in Ukraine during his first conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin since 2022. The Kremlin responded by emphasizing that the conflict is a direct result of Western policies.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed accusations from the U.S. envoy that Russia is delaying ceasefire talks while continuing attacks on civilians, stating that Russia prefers to achieve its objectives through political and diplomatic channels and has no interest in prolonging the process.