Russia-Ukraine War Key Events on Day 1,022

On Thursday, December 12, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine saw significant developments, both on the military front and in political and diplomatic arenas.

Military Developments

Ukrainian officials reported that the death toll from a Russian missile strike on the southern city of Zaporizhzhia had risen to nine, following an attack on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military general staff claimed responsibility for a successful strike on an oil depot in western Russia, a key supply source for Russian military operations. This attack, which took place in the Bryansk region, resulted in a massive fire at the facility. The governor of Bryansk, Alexander Bogomaz, confirmed a fire had broken out after a drone attack but noted there were no casualties, and the blaze was eventually contained.

In another military development, Russia's army reported the recapture of two villages in the western Kursk region, which had been the site of ongoing Ukrainian cross-border operations since August. Additionally, Russia’s Ministry of Defence stated that Ukraine had fired six Western-supplied ATACMS missiles at a military airfield in the southern port city of Taganrog, located in Russia’s Rostov region.

The Pentagon has been closely monitoring potential missile developments, with Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh revealing that a U.S. intelligence assessment suggested Russia could soon use the experimental Oreshnik missile in an attack on Ukraine.

Meanwhile, a law passed in Ukraine to boost army conscription in April has faced growing resistance, as some war veterans express dissatisfaction and feel neglected by the government.

Politics and Diplomacy

In diplomatic matters, Russia’s Foreign Ministry condemned a $20 billion U.S. loan to Ukraine, which is supported by frozen Russian assets, calling it "banal theft" and warning that Russia would not let the issue go unanswered. This loan is part of a broader $50 billion G7 support package announced in October.

Ukraine also denied reports of discussions with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban regarding a Christmas ceasefire and a potential prisoner exchange with Russia. 

Tensions between Russia and the West escalated further when Russia issued a warning to its citizens advising against travel to the United States and other Western countries, citing concerns that they could be targeted by authorities. 

In economic news, Austrian oil and gas company OMV confirmed that it had terminated its contract with Russian energy giant Gazprom, which had previously halted gas supplies to Austria. While some European nations remain reliant on Russian gas flowing through Ukraine, the war has led to a significant reduction in imports from Russia.

The situation continues to evolve, with no clear end in sight for the conflict.