Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Highlights of Major Incidents on Day 519
The Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its 519th day, significant developments continue to unfold in the ongoing conflict. Here are some key events from various aspects of the situation.
Armed Confrontation:
· Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko reported two fatalities in Russian attacks on Donetsk, eastern Ukraine. One person was killed in Avdiivka and another in Kostiantynivka.
· Ukraine's air force spokesperson, Yuriy Ihnat, stated that Russia launched missile attacks on Kyiv, khmelnytskyi, and Kirovohrad, including high-speed and possibly ballistic missiles.
· Ukraine's domestic intelligence agency claimed responsibility for sabotaging the Russian-made bridge linking occupied Crimea with Russia in October.
· The Russian army successfully repelled a Ukrainian attack near Orikhiv in the south, where Kyiv was carrying out its counteroffensive.
· Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar affirmed that Kyiv's troops are actively deterring the advancement of Russian forces in the Kupyan and Lyman areas of eastern Ukraine.
· The NATO-Ukraine Council convened to address the Black Sea situation after Russia terminated the UN-brokered grain shipments deal. Both NATO and Ukraine strongly condemned Russia's withdrawal from the grain deal.
· NATO announced an increase in surveillance in the Black Sea region to ensure the safe passage of ships carrying Ukrainian grain.
· US Ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget A Brink, discussed plans for a more resilient energy grid in Ukraine, including private investment and US support.
· Russia's Defence Minister, Sergei Shoigu, announced plans to enhance cooperation with North Korea.
· The International Olympic Committee President, Thomas Bach, excluded Russia and Belarus from the list of formally invited countries to the Paris Olympics, though Russian and Belarusian athletes can still participate as neutral participants.
· The European Union agreed to adopt "restrictive measures" against Belarus, citing its involvement in Russia's conflict with Ukraine.
· Russia's foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, revealed Moscow's intention to collaborate with African leaders to weaken the US dollar.
· Moldova's Foreign Minister, Nicu Popescu, announced a reduction in the number of staff Russia can have at its embassy.
· Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Chinese counterpart Wang Yi discussed the Ukrainian situation in Ankara during their talks.
Military Maneuvers:
· The White House reported a dangerous encounter between a Russian aircraft and a US drone over Syria, violating established protocols.
· White House national security spokesman John Kirby clarified that Ukraine's counteroffensive is ongoing, despite the progress not being as fast as desired.
· Russia's defence ministry claimed advances in Serhiivka, Luhansk region.
· Southern regions of Ukraine experienced a decrease in regular night attacks, with reduced artillery fire compared to the previous week.
· The US Department of Defense announced $400 million in additional security assistance for Ukraine, including air defence missiles, armoured vehicles, and small drones.
Law Enforcement:
· The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) arrested an alleged Russian informant linked to Moscow's preparations for air raids on rail bridges in Mykolaiv.
· Russia's Ministry of Internal Affairs added Ukrainian activist Gennadiy Druzenko and TV presenter Natalia Moseychuk to its wanted list.
· Ukraine's security service initiated an investigation into MP Yury Aristov, who had traveled to the Maldives in violation of a ban on officials' leisure travels abroad.
SOURCE: AL JAZEERA
