On the 1,008th day of the Russia-Ukraine war, key developments included Russian forces taking control of Nova Illinka near Donetsk, a Russian drone attack in Kyiv injuring three, and Russia placing its Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile on combat duty. Ukraine’s air defenses downed Russian drones, while Russia destroyed Ukrainian drones. The US suggested Ukraine lower the age for military service to 18.
In politics and diplomacy, NATO may invoke Article 5 due to Russian sabotage, Trump appointed Keith Kellogg as a special envoy for the conflict, and Ukraine discussed security with South Korea. Poland detained a German citizen for exporting goods to Russian military plants. Russia dismissed the idea of giving Ukraine nuclear weapons.
Military aid news reported that the US is preparing a $725 million weapons package for Ukraine, including antitank weapons and drones. Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Norway, Poland, and Sweden pledged more support and ammunition for Ukraine. Russia warned cutting support would be a death sentence for Ukraine’s army.
President Zelenskyy will sign Ukraine’s 2025 budget calling for wartime tax increases. Moscow city councillor Alexei Gorinov staged an antiwar protest during his trial for criticizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia expressed concerns about US missiles in Japan threatening its security. Relations continue to escalate with warnings and accusations from both sides.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
