Russia-Ukraine war: Key developments on day 1,198

On Friday, June 6, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continued with significant violence and diplomatic tensions.

In Kyiv, a series of drone attacks by Russia resulted in at least four deaths and 20 injuries, with 16 people hospitalized, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The strikes caused multiple fires in residential and infrastructure areas, including damage to train tracks, which disrupted rail services by about 90 minutes. Western Ukrainian cities Lutsk and the Ternopil region also suffered attacks. Ukrainian air defenses actively intercepted several Russian drones.

At the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, under Russian control, international monitors reported frequent gunfire aimed at drones targeting the plant’s training center. Russian authorities confirmed a drone landed on the training center roof but reported no casualties or damage. The reactors remain shut down amid ongoing hostilities.

In Russia’s Voronezh region, an explosion damaged railway tracks, prompting Russian investigators to launch a terrorism probe. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the attack “state-level terrorism,” although no proof has linked Ukraine to the incident, and Kyiv has denied responsibility.

On the political front, the Kremlin stated Russia will retaliate against Ukraine’s recent strikes, including a bold drone assault on Siberian bomber bases, accusing Kyiv of state terrorism. Former US President Donald Trump expressed cautious optimism for eventual peace but warned of potential sanctions on both sides if the conflict escalates. Trump also revealed he asked Russian President Putin not to retaliate immediately after Ukraine’s drone attacks.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged full support to Russia and predicted a Russian victory. Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs added Artyom Timofeyev, a Russian citizen born in Ukraine, to a wanted list for suspected involvement in attacks on Russian military airfields; Timofeyev reportedly fled to Kazakhstan.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said damaged warplanes from the June 1 drone attack will be repaired, contrasting US estimates that about half of the 20 targeted aircraft were destroyed.

Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced the country needs up to 60,000 more troops to meet NATO’s new force targets, amid heightened concerns about Russia.

The Trump administration named Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich as the next top US general in Europe and Supreme Allied Commander.

Russia accused British intelligence of using the British Council as a front to destabilize Russia, labeling the UK “enemy number one.”

Slovakia’s parliament voted against supporting new sanctions on Russia, signaling potential shifts in European policy.

Economically, Ukraine’s central bank warns that export losses could reach $800 million between June and December after free access to the EU market ends.