At least eight people have been killed and 12 more wounded in missile strikes on Ukraine's second largest city Kharkiv, with Russia firing 32 Iranian-made Shahed drones and six missiles overnight. Ukrainian air defence forces shot down three cruise missiles and 28 drones. Ukrainian sources claim retaliatory strikes were conducted inside Russia against military targets. The Russian military has not commented on the strikes but reported Ukraine firing Vampire rockets at Russia, all shot down over the border region of Belgorod.
Russian attacks on Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, have killed at least four people and injured 12. The strikes targeted residential buildings, cutting off power to around 350,000 residents. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks as despicable and cynical. Three rescue workers were among the casualties, with 11 of 20 drones used in the strikes being shot down by Ukrainian forces. Kharkiv, located near the Russian border, has been frequently targeted during the ongoing conflict that started in February 2022.
Russia launched cruise and ballistic missiles as well as drones at targets across Ukraine, killing at least three civilians and injuring 10 others. The attacks targeted major cities including Kyiv, where EU diplomat Josep Borrell was present. Ukraine's armed forces intercepted 44 drones and missiles out of 64 launched in the morning attack. Fires broke out in multiple Kyiv districts, and power lines were damaged, cutting electricity to some residents. Air strikes were also reported in Kharkiv and Cherkasy, while explosions were heard in Mykolaiv. The whole country was placed under air alert.
Recent Ukrainian strikes in western Russia's Belgorod region have left five people wounded and resulted in damage to homes, a fire station, and vehicles. Russian air defense systems intercepted incoming projectiles, with 13 rockets fired by Ukrainian forces being downed. In response, Ukraine repelled a dozen Russian combat drones overnight. Despite more frequent attacks on Belgorod, casualties and damage on Russian territory remain minimal compared to the impacts on Ukraine amidst escalating cross-border attacks.
Russia launched attacks in eastern and southern Ukraine in retaliation for fatal bombardments on its border regions, resulting in at least three deaths and several injuries. Kharkiv was hit with guided bombs, causing one death and damaging buildings. Ukraine's President Zelenskyy urged allies to expedite the delivery of Patriot air defence systems. In southern Ukraine, a woman was killed in a drone attack, while artillery fire in Nikopol and a ballistic missile strike in Mykolaiv left casualties. Ukrainian forces reported Russian drone attacks and downed Iranian-designed drones. The escalation follows Zelenskyy's reshuffling of security officials.
Ukraine conducted a kamikaze drone strike on a key Russian airbase that houses nuclear-capable aircraft in the Saratov region. Pro-Putin sources accused Kyiv of also targeting a nuclear power plant in the Kursk region. The attacks on border regions Belgorod and Kursk have caused alarm, with civilian casualties reported. Russian President Putin suggested creating a buffer zone between Ukrainian and Russian territories to counter Ukraine's aerial assaults. Russia has increased its aerial assaults on Ukrainian towns and cities, with recent incidents involving intercepted drones and missile strikes.
Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu warned French defence minister Sebastien Lecornu against deploying troops to Ukraine in a phone call, stating it would create problems for France. France denied Russia's claim of discussing potential Ukraine talks. Additionally, Russian drones hit residences in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, killing five people, including three rescue workers. The strikes led to casualties and injuries in various locations within the city.
Russia claimed to have killed 234 pro-Ukraine fighters in a major armed incursion near the border village of Tyotkino. The Freedom of Russia Legion, Siberian Battalion, and Russian Volunteer Corps posted videos of the conflict in Russia's western regions. The Russian Defense Ministry blamed the attack on the 'Kyiv regime' and Ukraine's 'terrorist formations.' Russia launched devastating strikes in central Ukrainian cities, resulting in casualties including children.
Seven people, including three children, were killed in a Russian drone attack on a gas station in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. The attack doused nearby homes with burning fuel, causing at least 50 people to evacuate. Kharkiv has experienced a string of overnight attacks, with this strike following previous attacks in the city and a village east of the regional capital. The Russian military has not publicly commented on the reported strikes. The city of Kharkiv, located near the Russian border, has often been targeted by Russian long-range strikes, resulting in civilian casualties.
Head of Ukrainian air force says they were able to shoot down 10 out of 13 drones launched overnight by Moscows forces Good morning and welcome to the blog. It has just passed 10am in Kyiv and 11am in Moscow. Ukraines air force chief said on Wednesday that Russia launched 13 Shahed drones at Ukraine overnight, 10 of which were downed in Kharkiv, Sumy and Kyiv regions. Anti-aircraft missile units, mobile fire groups, electronic warfare equipment ..
Russia carried out an extensive missile and drone attack in Ukraine, causing widespread power outages and killing at least five people. The assault targeted energy infrastructure in cities like Kharkiv, leading to over a million people losing power. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the lack of modern air defense systems as a vulnerability. The attack included strikes on a dam and a hydroelectric power plant, prompting Ukraine to seek emergency electricity from neighboring countries like Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. The Institute for the Study of War noted that Russian forces may be exploiting Ukraine's air defense missile shortages to target the energy grid.
Ukraine conducted coordinated strikes on a military airbase inside Russia, targeting Russian fighter planes to hinder their ability to strike Ukrainian forces. The operation included attacks on Russian SU-34 fighter-bombers at the Morozovsk military airfield. This move aims to reduce the threat of air attacks on Ukrainian troops and push back Russian ground forces. The Russian defence ministry reported downing 53 Ukrainian drones over the Rostov region, near the airfield. This action follows a recent Ukrainian drone strike on a major Russian oil refinery.
President Volodymyr Zelensky called for Ukrainians to defend themselves as Russian attacks intensify, with casualties reported in Lviv and Kharkiv regions. Energy infrastructure targeted, resulting in power outages for tens of thousands. Ukrainian air force intercepted drones and missiles but some still hit targets. Russia's escalating attacks have caused significant damage to Ukrainian energy infrastructure in multiple regions.
Authorities in western Russia's Belgorod region have advised locals near the Ukraine border to evacuate due to continuous attacks by anti-Kremlin militias. Over 50 km west of Belgorod, the Graivoron district has been targeted for over two years by these groups. Russian Volunteer Corps issued warnings of ongoing assaults. 5 civilians were injured from Ukrainian shelling in Belgorod, with 10 Ukrainian missiles being downed. 9,000 children are being evacuated from the region, and schools in border areas will shift to remote learning. In Kharkiv, Ukraine, 5 died and 9 were injured from a Russian missile strike.
Russia fired five missiles at Ukraine's southern city of Zaporizhzhia, killing at least four people and injuring 20. Ukrainian drones attacked the Morozovsk airbase in Russia, destroying six warplanes and injuring 20. Russian forces claimed control of the settlement of Vodyane. Pro-Russia separatists in Moldova reported an explosive drone hitting a military base. Additionally, a Russian governor was stabbed in Murmansk, and elevated radiation levels were detected in Khabarovsk. Japan announced new sanctions against Russia, banning exports of 164 goods.
On 30 December 2023, during the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, explosions occurred in the city of Belgorod, Russia, killing at least 25 people and wounding over 100. Russian sources alleged the explosions were shelling by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Ukraine attributed the explosions to the work of Russian air defence.Russia also reported that it had shot down drones in other Russian cities the same day. The attack occurred a day after Russia launched airstrikes at multiple cities in Ukraine, killing 57 and wounding 160. The Russian Defense Ministry called the strikes a "terrorist attack" that would "not go unpunished", launching 49 drones at Ukrainian cites the following days in retaliation.It is reportedly the single largest death toll in a Russian city since the beginning of the war on 24 February 2022.
Ukraine launched 36 drones targeting various parts of Russia, resulting in intercepted drones over several locations and casualties in Belgorod and Slavyansk district. Notably, a 16-year-old girl was killed in Belgorod due to shelling. In response, Ukrainian forces shot down 14 drones over the Odesa region, where 20 people were killed in a previous Russian missile strike. Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to punish Ukrainian border attacks despite his expected re-election for a fifth term.
On day 772 of Russian attacks in Ukraine, at least eight people were killed in eastern Ukraine, including civilians targeted by Moscow. Despite shortages, President Zelenskiy stated Ukrainian forces are holding their positions. NATO allies are seeking air defence systems to protect Ukraine. A man was jailed for life for aiding a Russian missile strike on a pizzeria. Finland extended its border closure with Russia, and France condemned Russia's threatening tone. Zelenskiy criticized Western hesitation in providing military aid, calling for more air defence systems to protect Ukrainian cities.
One person died Saturday in the Russian border region of Belgorod adjoining Ukraine and a fire broke out at an oil refinery further east in Samara after drone attacks, officials said. Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov wrote on Telegram that two districts in his region had been hit by drones. "It's shaping up to be a difficult morning," Gladkov said. "One civilian was killed, two others were wounded." The region of Samara, meanwhile, saw "several drone attacks" on local oil refineries, Governor Dmitry Azarov said in a statement published on Telegram.
Russian missiles strike Ukrainian cities of Kharkiv, Kryvyi Rih, and Vinnytsia, as well as Ukraines largest dam, the DniproHES in Zaporizhzhia, with no immediate casualties reported. Belgorod in Russia also hit, with one woman killed and many wounded in a Ukrainian attack.
On 15 February 2024, Ukraine fired several missiles at the Belgorod Oblast. according to Russian officials. Fourteen were shot down but one hit and "heavily damaged" a shopping center in Belgorod, 7 civilians, including a 1-year-old girl, and injuring 18 others. Another missile struck a sports stadium.
Russia confirmed another death in Ukrainian attacks on its Belgorod region, with one person killed by shrapnel while in a car. Several kindergartens and a school were damaged, but no injuries were reported. Russian air defense systems intercepted 13 missiles and downed a drone over the region. President Putin pledged to restore security in border areas, viewing his election victory as a step towards triumph in Ukraine.
Russia has launched its largest attacks on Ukraine since October, with missiles targeting Ukrainian power plants. Ukraine successfully repelled a battalion-sized mechanised assault on its eastern front, showcasing its defence resilience. The attack included three dozen tanks and a dozen infantry fighting vehicles near Avdiivka. Despite initial success, later approaches saw significant losses. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed concerns over lack of US support, citing stalled military aid. Europe is aiding Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.
Ukraine announced that it destroyed the majority of the 45 attack drones launched by Russia overnight, with minimal damage reported. Falling debris from the drones wounded one person and caused a fire in the southern region of Dnipro. A 56-year-old woman was also killed in a separate drone strike in the Kharkiv region. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is reshuffling his war cabinet as the conflict enters its third year, appointing new commanders for the ground forces, combined forces, air assault forces, and territorial defense forces. The Ukrainian military aims to improve troop rotation and utilize new technology.
A Russian cruise missile strike in Ukraine's Lviv region left one dead, destroyed a building, and caused a fire. Thousands in Odesa region lost power after a downed Russian drone sparked a blaze. Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure led to significant damage in various regions. Russia escalate attacks, with 80% of Ukraine's largest private energy firm, DTEK's generating capacity lost. France commits hundreds of armoured carriers to aid Ukraine. Russian forces maintain advantage over Ukraine in munitions and personnel. Paris mayor bans Russian and Belarusian athletes from Olympics in response to conflict. European countries urged to increase defence investments by Polish prime minister
Residents of Belgorod, Russia near the Ukrainian border endure daily attacks as they participate in the presidential election, with Ukrainian shelling causing casualties and damage. The city has faced regular cross-border attacks since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, with increased strikes in the days leading up to the election. Rockets and drones have been raining down on Belgorod, with poor accuracy indicating indiscriminate targeting not focused on military objectives.
Russia is targeting Ukraine's energy sector with increased intensity and precision, using advanced tactics that demonstrate improved intelligence capabilities. This campaign aims to destroy Ukraine's power generation capacity, as evidenced by recent missile attacks on DTEK's power plant. The situation signals a concerning escalation in the conflict between the two nations.
Moscow announced the capture of Tonenke village in east Ukraine, near Avdiivka, following recent successes in the region. Russia launched a missile attack on Kyiv using high-precision weapons, including hypersonic Kinzhal missiles. The attack was in response to Ukrainian actions near Russia's border regions. The Russian Defense Ministry stated ongoing measures to prevent incursions into the border area of Belgorod, which has faced increased shelling recently. The Moscow Times, an independent news source, has been labeled a "foreign agent" by the Russian government, sparking concern over press freedom.
A drone attacked a military unit in Moldova's breakaway region of Transnistria near the Ukraine border, causing damage to a radar station. This incident is part of provocations to maintain attention on the region, amid accusations of Russian hybrid warfare by Moldova and tensions with Ukraine.
Russia says it killed large numbers of Ukrainian soldiers with a destructive so-called vacuum bomb in a claim Ukraine swiftly called nonsense. The deputy chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces told Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu during a meeting that up to 300 soldiers were killed as a result of an accurate strike by an aerial munition, Russias Defense Ministry said on Saturday. The spokesperson of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Andriy Yusov, told CNN the claims were absolute nonsense and propaganda as well as Russian information about killing 1500 Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk and Belgorod regions yesterday. The spokesperson of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Andriy Yusov, told CNN the claims were absolute nonsense and propaganda. CNN cannot independently verify the incident.
Russian investigators have uncovered additional evidence linking Ukraine to the deadly concert hall attack in Moscow, including photos of Ukrainian flags on a suspect's phone. Despite Islamic militants claiming responsibility, Russian officials blame Ukraine and its Western partners. The suspects sent images of the concert hall to a handler on the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russian authorities have detained at least 14 individuals involved in the attack, with allegations of abuse and torture. The Investigative Committee claims a link between the attack and special military operations in Ukraine, investigating Ukrainian special services and international Islamist terrorist organizations. The U.S. Embassy had issued a warning about a potential attack in Moscow prior to the incident.
The Russian Armed Forces have launched several rocket attacks on Kharkiv, Ukraine, during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claimed that Russia utilized North Korean Hwasong-11 ballistic missiles in attacks on Ukraine, resulting in at least 24 civilian deaths and over 100 injuries. The missiles were deployed in December in Zaporizhzhia and Kyiv, and in February in Donetsk and Kharkiv. The SBU is investigating the incidents and tracing the supply routes of these weapons. Additionally, Conflict Armament Research confirmed the use of North Korean missiles by Russia. The situation highlights concerns over North Korea's involvement in international conflicts and the complexity of tracking weapon components from multiple countries.
Russian troops have been accused of carrying out daily illegal chemical attacks on the Ukrainian front line by using drones to drop tear gas and other banned chemicals, leading Ukrainian troops to panic and flee their positions, increasing their vulnerability to Russian forces. Ukraine has reported 626 gas-related attacks by Russia since the war began, with soldiers now required to carry ex-Soviet gas masks that are not very effective. The use of chemical weapons has significantly impacted the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Russia faced a wave of Ukrainian drone attacks during the final day of elections, with 35 drones shot down in eight regions, causing a fire at an oil refinery. Ukrainian drones targeted polling stations, resulting in one death in Belgorod. Opposition figures called for protests against President Putin, extending his rule until 2030. Russian forces destroyed drones in various regions, including attacks on an oil refinery in Krasnodar and multiple incidents near Moscow. In response, President Putin accused Ukraine of disrupting his election bid, set to secure his victory in the controversial general election.
The battle of Kharkiv was a military engagement that took place from February to May 2022 in and around the city of Kharkiv in Ukraine, as part of the eastern Ukraine offensive during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Kharkiv, located just 30 kilometres (19 mi) south of the Russia–Ukraine border and a predominately Russian-speaking city, is the second-largest city in Ukraine and was considered a major target for the Russian military early in the invasion. According to the testimony of a captured Russian officer, Russian forces were expected to capture the city within three days.By 13 May, Ukrainian forces pushed Russian units attempting to encircle the city back towards the Russian border. Additionally, it was reported that Russia had withdrawn units from the area. The Institute for the Study of War opined that Ukraine had "likely won the battle of Kharkiv". However, bombardment continued, and by 20 May, Russian forces were again shelling Kharkiv city. As a result of the subsequent counteroffensive in the Kharkiv Oblast, Russian forces located close to the city were pushed back, resulting in significantly reduced pressure on Kharkiv.On 12 June, Amnesty International claimed it found the evidence of widespread use of widely-banned cluster munitions by Russia, such as 9N210/9N235 cluster bombs, and "scatterable" munitions that eject small mines that explode later in timed intervals. Four months after the battle, Ukraine launched a major counteroffensive in September to recapture territories that were still under Russian control in Kharkiv Oblast.
Following deadly bombardment by Kyiv, 5,000 children have been evacuated from Russia's Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, with plans to relocate 9,000 minors to other regions. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov confirmed the evacuation, with children in border municipalities transitioning to remote learning. Businesses affected by attacks are permitted to reopen with first aid-trained staff. Belgorod has faced repeated Ukrainian attacks for over two years, with a recent incident involving a Ukrainian drone crashing into a building, resulting in casualties.
In the aftermath of a mass shooting in Moscow that killed 145 people, Russian security forces face criticism for their response. The Kremlin officials, including a top official, suggested sending hit squads to assassinate Ukrainian officials and reinstating capital punishment. President Vladimir Putin vowed to hunt down the masterminds of the attack linked to Ukraine, despite denials from Kyiv. Critics claim that the focus on cracking down on dissent has led to security failures in addressing real threats.
On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in an escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War that started in 2014. The invasion became the largest attack on a European country since World War II. It is estimated to have caused tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilian casualties and hundreds of thousands of military casualties. By June 2022, Russian troops occupied about 20% of Ukrainian territory. From a population of 41 million in January 2022, about 8 million Ukrainians had been internally displaced and more than 8.2 million had fled the country by April 2023, creating Europe's largest refugee crisis since World War II. Extensive environmental damage caused by the war, widely described as an ecocide, contributed to food crises worldwide.Before the invasion, Russian troops massed near Ukraine's borders as Russian officials denied any plans to attack. Russian president Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" to support the Russian-backed breakaway republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, whose paramilitary forces had been fighting Ukraine in the Donbas conflict since 2014. Putin espoused irredentist views challenging Ukraine's right to exist, and falsely claimed that Ukraine was governed by neo-Nazis persecuting the Russian minority. He said his goal was to "demilitarize and denazify" Ukraine. Russian air strikes and a ground invasion were launched at a northern front from Belarus towards Kyiv, a southern front from Crimea, and an eastern front from the Donbas and towards Kharkiv. Ukraine enacted martial law, ordered a general mobilization and severed diplomatic relations with Russia.Russian troops retreated from the northern front by April 2022 after encountering logistical challenges and stiff Ukrainian resistance. On the southern and southeastern fronts, Russia captured Kherson in March and Mariupol in May after a destructive siege. Russia launched a renewed offensive in the Donbas and continued to bomb military and civilian targets far from the front line, including the energy grid through the winter. In late 2022, Ukraine launched successful counteroffensives in the south and east. Soon after, Russia announced the illegal annexation of four partly occupied regions. In November, Ukraine retook parts of Kherson Oblast, including the city of Kherson itself. In June 2023, Ukraine launched another counteroffensive in the southeast.The invasion was met with international condemnation. The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution condemning the invasion and demanding a full Russian withdrawal in March 2022. The International Court of Justice ordered Russia to suspend military operations and the Council of Europe expelled Russia. Many countries imposed sanctions on Russia and its ally Belarus, and provided humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine. The Baltic states all declared Russia a terrorist state. Protests occurred around the world, along with mass arrests of anti-war protesters in Russia, which also enacted a law enabling greater media censorship. Over 1,000 companies closed their operations in Russia and Belarus as a result of the invasion. The International Criminal Court (ICC) opened investigations into possible crimes against humanity, war crimes, abduction of children, and genocide. The court issued an arrest warrant for Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova in March 2023, alleging responsibility for the unlawful deportation of children.
Schools and colleges in parts of the Russian region of Belgorod will be closed on Monday and Tuesday following increased Ukrainian attacks, with shopping malls also closed. The attacks have brought the war in Ukraine to Russians in Belgorod, affecting safety and leading to days of self-learning for students. Belgorod has experienced heavy shelling and drone strikes, with two reported deaths. The region is also impacted by the ongoing Russian elections, where Vladimir Putin is expected to win another term amid criticism of the electoral process.
Around 9,000 children are being evacuated from the Russian city of Belgorod and neighboring regions due to shelling blamed on Ukraine, resulting in casualties and power outages. Evacuations follow closures of schools and shopping centers, with the first group of 1,200 children set to leave on Friday. Russian forces claim to have intercepted Ukrainian shells and targeted saboteurs near the border. Ukrainian border areas also report Russian attacks, while Kyiv remains silent on the Belgorod incidents. Russian President Putin accuses Ukraine of disrupting his re-election bid with strikes in the region.
A senior Ukrainian military official expressed that the American-made F-16 fighter jets arriving in Ukraine this summer are no longer relevant to the ongoing conflict with Russia, emphasizing the need for 'shells and rockets' in 2024. The Ukrainian Air Force is set to receive the F-16 jets in July, but the high-ranking officer stressed the urgency for traditional weapons like howitzers and shells. The Ukrainian government is facing severe shortages of ammunition, hindering their ability to combat Russian forces effectively.
The 2022 Kharkiv counteroffensive was a major counteroffensive operation during the Russian invasion of Ukraine that began on 6 September 2022. Following the launch of the Kherson counteroffensive in southern Ukraine in late August, Ukrainian forces began a second counteroffensive in early September in Kharkiv Oblast, in Eastern Ukraine.During the offensive, Ukraine retook over 500 settlements and 12,000 square kilometers of territory in the Kharkiv region.
On 22 May 2023, armed groups from Ukraine carried out a cross-border raid into Belgorod Oblast, Russia. Two Russian rebel groups allied with and based in Ukraine—the Freedom of Russia Legion (FRL) and the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC)—claimed to have taken control of several border settlements, and clashed with Russian government forces. The Polish Volunteer Corps participated in the raid. Russian authorities said the attacks were conducted by a Ukrainian "sabotage group", and imposed counter-terrorism measures in the region. It is the largest cross-border attack during the war since the initial beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022.On 1 June, another incursion began near the town of Shebekino, with the RVC announcing that the promised "second phase" of the fighting had begun. This time, the Belarusian volunteer Terror Battalion participated in the raid. A spokesman for the Freedom of Russia Legion said their goals were to draw Russian troops away from other parts of the front, and to encourage rebellion against the Russian government.
Kharkiv (Ukrainian: Харків, IPA: [ˈxɑrkiu̯] ), also known as Kharkov (Russian: Харькoв, IPA: [ˈxarʲkəf] ), is the second-largest city in Ukraine. Located in the northeast of the country, it is the largest city of the historic region of Sloboda Ukraine. Kharkiv is the administrative centre of Kharkiv Oblast and of the surrounding Kharkiv Raion. It has a population of 1,421,125 (2022 estimate).Kharkiv was founded in 1654 as a fortress, and grew to become a major centre of industry, trade, and Ukrainian culture in Sloboda Ukraine in the composition Russian Empire. At the beginning of the 20th century, the city had a predominantly Ukrainian and Russian population, but as industrial expansion drew in further labor from the distressed countryside, and as the Soviet Union moderated previous restrictions on Ukrainian cultural expression, Ukrainians became the largest ethnic group in the city by the eve of World War II. From December 1919 to January 1934, Kharkiv was the capital of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic.Kharkiv is a major cultural, scientific, educational, transport and industrial centre of Ukraine, with numerous museums, theatres and libraries, including the Annunciation and Dormition cathedrals, the Derzhprom building in Freedom Square, and the National University of Kharkiv. Industry plays a significant role in Kharkiv's economy, specialised primarily in machinery and electronics. There are hundreds of industrial facilities throughout the city, including the Morozov Design Bureau, the Malyshev Factory, Khartron, Turboatom, and Antonov.In March and April 2014, security forces and counter-demonstrators defeated efforts by Russian-backed separatists to seize control of the city and regional administration. Kharkiv was a major target for Russian forces in the eastern Ukraine campaign during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine before they were pushed back to the Russia-Ukraine border. The city remains under intermittent Russian fire.
The Russo-Ukrainian War is an ongoing international conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began in February 2014. Following Ukraine's Revolution of Dignity, Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine and supported pro-Russian separatists fighting the Ukrainian military in the Donbas war. The first eight years of conflict also included naval incidents, cyberwarfare, and heightened political tensions. In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine and began occupying more of the country.In early 2014, the Euromaidan protests led to the Revolution of Dignity and the ousting of Ukraine's pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych. Shortly after, pro-Russian unrest erupted in eastern and southern Ukraine, while unmarked Russian troops occupied Crimea. Russia soon annexed Crimea after a highly disputed referendum. In April 2014, Russian-backed militants seized towns in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region and proclaimed the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) as independent states, starting the Donbas war. The separatists received considerable but covert support from Russia, and Ukrainian attempts to fully retake separatist-held areas failed. Although Russia denied involvement, Russian troops took part in the fighting. In February 2015, Russia and Ukraine signed the Minsk II agreements to end the conflict, but they were never fully implemented in the years that followed. The Donbas war settled into a violent but static conflict between Ukraine and the Russian and separatist forces, with many brief ceasefires but no lasting peace and few changes in territorial control.Beginning in 2021, Russia built up a large military presence near its border with Ukraine, including within neighbouring Belarus. Russian officials repeatedly denied plans to attack Ukraine. Russian president Vladimir Putin expressed irredentist views and denied Ukraine's right to exist. He criticized the enlargement of NATO and demanded that Ukraine be barred from ever joining the military alliance. Russia recognized the DPR and LPR as independent states. On 24 February 2022, Putin announced a "special military operation" to "demilitarize and denazify" Ukraine, claiming Russia had no plans to occupy the country. The Russian invasion that followed was internationally condemned; many countries imposed sanctions against Russia and increased existing sanctions. In the face of fierce resistance, Russia abandoned an attempt to take Kyiv in early April. From August, Ukrainian forces began recapturing territories in the north-east and south. In late September, Russia declared the annexation of four partially-occupied regions, which was internationally condemned. Russia spent the winter conducting inconclusive offensives in the Donbas. In spring 2023, Russia dug into positions ahead of another Ukrainian counteroffensive, which failed to gain significant ground. The war has resulted in a refugee crisis and tens of thousands of deaths.
A US veteran fighting in Ukraine, known as Jackie, highlighted how ammunition shortages in Ukraine have allowed Russia to dominate on the battlefield, particularly in terms of artillery firepower. Despite Ukraine's historical ability to outmaneuver Russia through better tactics and training, the lack of ammunition has shifted the advantage to Russia, making it harder for Ukraine to resist the invasion. However, Ukraine has still achieved some victories, albeit increasingly challenging. The veteran emphasized that Ukraine's infantry has traditionally outperformed Russia in direct combat, but the shortages have impacted their ability to suppress Russian artillery effectively.
A BBC documentary by Jamie Roberts titled 'Ukraine, Enemy in the Woods' captures the reality of Ukrainian soldiers' frontline mission in Kharkiv, protecting a vital railway line in Kupyansk. The film shows the intimate and harrowing experiences of the soldiers facing relentless Russian attacks, highlighting the high casualty rate of 76% within the 99-strong force. The documentary, without narration, emphasizes the grim and unheroic struggles in the conflict, shedding light on the human loss and challenges faced by Ukrainian defenders.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk raised concerns about the possibility of war escalating in Europe, urging European nations to increase their defense investments. Tusk highlighted Russia's intensified airstrikes on Ukraine, including breaching Polish airspace, and called for urgent assistance for Ukraine's defense. He criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for unsubstantiated claims linking Ukraine to a terrorist attack and emphasized the critical nature of the current situation, describing it as the most precarious moment since the end of World War II.
This is a list of known military aid, that has been and will be provided to Ukraine during the Russo-Ukrainian War, particularly during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This list includes delivered equipment, training, intelligence, treatment of soldiers, logistical support as well as financial support to the Ukrainian government unless earmarked for humanitarian purposes. Weapons donated as a result of cooperation between multiple countries are listed separately in each country category.In total aid (military, financial and humanitarian combined), the European Union and its countries have provided the most to Ukraine, according to Kiel Institute, whereas the United States has by far provided the most in military aid. Since January 2022, mostly Western nations have pledged more than $380 billion in aid to Ukraine, including nearly $118 billion in direct military aid to Ukraine from individual countries.Some NATO countries and allies, such as Germany and Sweden, have reversed past policies against providing offensive military aid in order to support Ukraine, while the European Union for the first time in its history supplied lethal arms through its institutions.The Russian government has condemned the supply of military aid to Ukraine. Russia's president Vladimir Putin said that if military aid stopped, Ukraine would not survive for long. The Center for Strategic and International Studies assessed in December 2023 that if the United States stopped sending military aid, European countries could not quickly fill the gap. If this happened, it forecast that Ukraine's defensive capabilities would gradually weaken and Ukraine's frontline would collapse.
On the evening of 20 April 2023, a Russian Su-34 strike fighter accidentally dropped a bomb on the Russian city of Belgorod near the border with Ukraine. The Russian authorities acknowledged the fact of the bombing, declaring the destruction in the city and the injury of three people.
Vladimir Putin has called up 150,000 men for Russian army conscription, the highest figure in almost a decade, with recruits aged 18 to 30 to be conscripted between April and July for the conflict against Ukraine. Russia promised these conscripts would not be sent to the frontlines, but previous vows have been broken, potentially sending them to border regions. Putin is expected to demand a military offensive, taking advantage of Ukraine's weapon shortage. The decree also reveals plans for potential hybrid attacks on NATO and escalated nuclear threats against NATO allies supplying Ukraine with F-16 jets.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated that Ukraine will eventually join NATO, with strong support from member countries. The potential membership is a response to Russia's aggression towards Ukraine. Meanwhile, Sweden recently joined NATO, and the alliance is considering providing more military assistance to Ukraine to counter Moscow's actions. Critics argue that NATO expansion may have provoked Russia in the past. The upcoming NATO summit in Washington, DC, will address these issues amidst discussions of additional American aid for Ukraine.
This timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine covers the period from 1 December 2023 to the present day.
NATO celebrated its 75th anniversary with a commitment to supporting Ukraine, amidst Russian troops' advancements. Ukraine faces ammunition shortages and lowered the military conscription age. Allies like Estonia are urging for more military equipment for Ukraine's defense. NATO plans to enhance military support for Ukraine amid ongoing attacks. NATO's founding treaty was signed on April 4, 1949, in Washington, with a larger celebration scheduled for a leaders' meeting in July. US Secretary of State commended the courage of military personnel in upholding NATO's defense commitment.
Ukraine ( yoo-KRAYN; Ukrainian: Україна, romanized: Ukraina, pronounced [ʊkrɐˈjinɐ] ) is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast. It also borders Belarus to the north; Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary to the west; and Romania and Moldova to the southwest; with a coastline along the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov to the south and southeast. Kyiv is the nation's capital and largest city, followed by Kharkiv, Dnipro and Odesa. Ukraine's official language is Ukrainian; Russian is also widely spoken, especially in the east and south.During the Middle Ages, Ukraine was the site of early Slavic expansion and the area later became a key centre of East Slavic culture under the state of Kievan Rus', which emerged in the 9th century. The state eventually disintegrated into rival regional powers and was ultimately destroyed by the Mongol invasions of the 13th century. The area was then contested, divided, and ruled by a variety of external powers for the next 600 years, including the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Austrian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the Tsardom of Russia. The Cossack Hetmanate emerged in central Ukraine in the 17th century marked on maps as "Ukraine, land of the Cossacks", but was partitioned between Russia and Poland, and ultimately absorbed by the Russian Empire. Ukrainian nationalism developed and, following the Russian Revolution in 1917, the short-lived Ukrainian People's Republic was formed. The Bolsheviks consolidated control over much of the former empire and established the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, which became a constituent republic of the Soviet Union when it was formed in 1922. In the early 1930s, millions of Ukrainians died in the Holodomor, a human-made famine. The German occupation during World War II in Ukraine was devastating: 7 million Ukrainian civilians were killed, including most Ukrainian Jews.Ukraine gained independence in 1991 as the Soviet Union dissolved, and declared itself neutral. A new constitution was adopted in 1996. A series of mass demonstrations, known as the Euromaidan, led to the establishment of a new government in 2014 after a revolution. Russia then unilaterally annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, and pro-Russian unrest culminated in a war in the Donbas between Russian-backed separatists and government forces in eastern Ukraine. Since the outbreak of war with Russia, Ukraine has continued to seek closer ties with the United States, European Union, and NATO. Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.Ukraine is a unitary state and its system of government is a semi-presidential republic. A developing country, it is the poorest country in Europe by nominal GDP per capita and corruption remains a significant issue. However, due to its extensive fertile land, pre-war Ukraine was one of the largest grain exporters in the world. It is a founding member of the United Nations, as well as a member of the Council of Europe, the World Trade Organization, and the OSCE. It is in the process of joining the European Union and has applied to join NATO.
President Zelensky has signed a bill lowering Ukraine's military mobilisation age from 27 to 25 to bolster reserves in the face of heavy losses after two years of war with Russia. The move aims to call up more soldiers as volunteer numbers decrease, with Zelensky stating a need for 500,000 additional troops. Ukraine seeks to strengthen defensive fortifications in preparation for potential Russian offensives amidst challenges such as lack of air superiority and delays in Western aid deliveries. The bill signing comes amid warnings of Russia's possible spring or summer offensive plans.
Kharkiv is a city in Ukraine.Kharkiv may also refer to:Kharkiv International Airport in Kharkiv, UkraineKharkiv North Airport, UkraineKharkiv (river), a river in Kharkiv Oblast, UkraineKharkiv Oblast, UkraineKharkiv Raion, a district of Kharkiv Oblast, UkraineKharkiv, National University of Kharkiv, Ukraine9167 Kharkiv, a main-belt asteroidFC Metalist Kharkiv, a Ukrainian football team based in Kharkiv, UkraineFC Kharkiv, was a professional football club based in Kharkiv, Ukraine
The Russian ambassador to Poland, Sergey Andreev, did not attend a meeting at the Polish Foreign Ministry where he was summoned due to a Russian cruise missile breaching Polish airspace for 39 seconds during an attack on western Ukraine. The Polish ministry expressed concerns about Andreev's ability to represent Russia in Warsaw and cited the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Polish Foreign Minister communicated details of the incident to NATO, highlighting the threat of Russia's actions in Ukraine to NATO member states.
Kharkiv Oblast (Ukrainian: Харківська область, romanized: Kharkivska oblast), also referred to as Kharkivshchyna (Ukrainian: Харківщина), is an oblast (province) in eastern Ukraine. The oblast borders Luhansk Oblast to the east, Donetsk Oblast to the south-east, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast to the south-west, Poltava Oblast to the west, Sumy Oblast to the north-west and Russia's Belgorod Oblast to the north. The area of Kharkiv Oblast is 31,400 square kilometres (12,100 sq mi), corresponding to 5.2% of the total territory of Ukraine.The oblast is the third-most populous of Ukraine, with a population of 2,598,961 in 2021, more than half (1.42 million) of whom live in the city of Kharkiv, the oblast's administrative center. While the Russian language is primarily spoken in the cities of Kharkiv oblast, elsewhere in the oblast most inhabitants speak Ukrainian.
Arsenal footballer Oleksandr Zinchenko expressed his readiness to leave the UK and fight in Ukraine if needed, stating many of his childhood friends are already involved in the conflict where over 40,000 Ukrainians have died. President Zelenskyy lowered Ukraine's military mobilisation age to 25 to address the need for more troops. Zinchenko has donated over 1 million to support his homeland and hopes for the war to end soon, emphasizing the pride he feels to be Ukrainian amidst the ongoing crisis.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is exploring the establishment of a $100 billion fund over five years to bolster long-term support for Ukraine, aiming to secure assistance amidst concerns about potential US policy changes. Stoltenberg emphasized the need for NATO to provide more consistent support and coordination for Ukraine's military needs. While the fund wouldn't sustain Ukraine's war effort indefinitely, it aims to offer crucial support. Concerns over a potential second term for Donald Trump raising doubts on US aid to Kyiv are prompting NATO's strategic planning for Ukraine's stability.
The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the German ambassador to Moscow after state media leaked a conversation of German military officers discussing the use of German-made Taurus missiles by Ukraine against targets like the Crimean Bridge. Germany accused Moscow of destabilizing Germany. The leaked audio recording, involving air force officers, led to a promise of a full investigation by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
The Shahed 131 (Persian: شاهد ۱۳۶, literally "Witness 131"), or Geran-1 (Russian: Герань-1, literally "Geranium-1") in Russian service, is an Iranian-made drone which came to prominence in October 2022 during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It is powered by a Wankel engine model Shahed-783/788.
Thousands of Russians paid their respects at Navalny's funeral, marking a significant event in recent Russian history; Navalny's influence and opposition leadership are evident through the massive turnout, indicating his significant role despite challenges and persecution from Putin; The Russian opposition faces obstacles in effecting political change amidst heightened tensions with the West over the Ukraine conflict, contrasting with its peak during the peaceful 2011-12 period.
Ukrainian may refer or relate to:Ukraine, a country in Eastern EuropeUkrainians, an East Slavic ethnic group native to UkraineDemographics of UkraineUkrainian culture, composed of the material and spiritual values of the Ukrainian peopleUkrainian language, an East Slavic language of the Indo-European language family, spoken primarily in UkraineUkrainian cuisine, the collection of the various cooking traditions of the people of Ukraine
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed planned peace talks on Ukraine as a Western ploy to rally international support for Kyiv, emphasizing that negotiations must consider Moscow's interests. Lavrov criticized the West's efforts to attract Global South countries to discussions in Switzerland, denouncing Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's peace formula. He praised China's past peace plan for addressing root causes of the conflict. Moscow insists on respecting its territorial gains and security interests in any prospective peace deal.
Relations between Ukraine and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) started in 1991 following Ukraine's independence after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Ukraine first joined NATO's Partnership for Peace program in 1994, later joining the Planning and Review Process in 1997 and the NATO-Ukraine Commission in 1998. Although Ukraine initially declared neutrality and non-alignment with military blocs after independence, it later signaled interest in eventual NATO membership. After Russia's annexation of Crimea and support for separatist forces in eastern Ukraine in 2014, Ukraine began actively pursuing NATO membership, formally declaring it a strategic policy objective in 2017.However, NATO membership prospects remain uncertain due to ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine and concerns over meeting membership criteria. While public support for NATO membership has risen in Ukraine since 2014, the prospect continues to face opposition from Russia, which sees Ukraine's potential NATO accession as a security threat.A 2017 poll found that some 69% of Ukrainians wanted to join NATO, compared to 28% in 2012 when Yanukovych was in power. In February 2019, the Ukrainian parliament voted to amend the Constitution of Ukraine to state Ukraine's goal of NATO and European Union membership. At the June 2021 Brussels summit, NATO leaders reiterated the decision taken at the 2008 Bucharest summit that Ukraine would eventually become a NATO member with the MAP as an integral part of the process, and Ukraine's right to determine its future and foreign policy without outside interference. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also stressed that Russia will not be able to veto Ukraine's accession to NATO "as we will not return to the era of spheres of interest, when large countries decide what smaller ones should do." Before further actions on NATO membership were taken, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022.Polls conducted between 2005 and 2013 found low support among Ukrainians for NATO membership. However, since the beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian War in 2014, Ukrainian public support for NATO membership has risen greatly. Since June 2014, polls showed that about 50% of those asked supported Ukrainian NATO membership.On 30 September 2022, Ukraine formally applied to join NATO, following Russia's annexation of Southern and Eastern Ukraine.
Admiral Alexander Moiseyev has been appointed as the acting commander-in-chief of the Russian navy, replacing Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov who was removed from the position after multiple hits on the Black Sea Fleet by Ukrainian forces. Moiseyev, a former commander of Russia's Northern Fleet, took over the role in an official ceremony on Tuesday. The Ukrainian attacks have resulted in the destruction of more than two dozen Russian ships, causing embarrassment for Moscow. The Russian navy's setbacks contrast with its advances in the land offensive in eastern Ukraine.
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