A 10-story apartment block in Belgorod, Russia, collapsed due to Ukrainian shelling, resulting in deaths and injuries. Russian officials reported at least 17 injuries and confirmed deaths, with ongoing rescue operations. The Belgorod region, bordering Ukraine, has faced numerous attacks with repeated air raid alerts. Western Russian cities, including Belgorod, have been targeted since May 2023, with Russian authorities accusing Kyiv. This incident follows previous attacks in the area, with casualties and escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Six people were killed and 35 others injured in a Ukrainian drone attack in Russia's Belgorod region. The drones targeted vehicles carrying company employees and a passenger car, with two children sustaining minor injuries and one man in serious condition undergoing surgery. The Russian Investigative Committee will investigate the attack. Belgorod has been a repeated target of Ukrainian attacks since the invasion of Ukraine over two years ago.
Russia is targeting Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, with an intensified air campaign since late March, leading to significant power outages affecting 200,000 city residents. The energy infrastructure is being pummeled, and residents, including 79-year-old Olha Faichuk, are facing terror and evacuation due to Russian airstrikes. Rockets launched from Russia's Belgorod region are hitting Kharkiv, causing widespread damage and distress in the region.
Belgorod (Russian: Белгород, pronounced [ˈbʲelɡərət]) is a city that is the administrative center of Belgorod Oblast, Russia, located on the Seversky Donets River, approximately 40 kilometers (25 mi) north of the border with Ukraine. It has a population of 339,978 (2021 Census).
Belgorod is a city in Russia.Belgorod may also refer to:Russian submarine Belgorod (K-329)9612 Belgorod, a minor planet
Belgorod Oblast (Russian: Белгоро́дская о́бласть, romanized: Belgorodskaya oblastʹ) is a federal subject (an oblast) of Russia. Its administrative center is the city of Belgorod. As of 2021, the population is 1,540,486.
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.
Several attacks in mainland Russia, primarily in the Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod oblasts, have been reported since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began on 24 February 2022. Russia accused Ukraine of being responsible for these attacks.
Fierce fighting near Ukraine's eastern border with Russia has led to nine attacks repelled by Ukrainian forces, with Russia claiming control of five border villages in the Kharkiv region. Over 2,500 people have been evacuated from the region, with clashes ongoing in villages close to the Russian border. Ukrainian drone and artillery strikes resulted in five deaths and nine injuries in Russian border provinces and Donetsk city. Despite Russian advances, Ukrainian officials remain confident in defending the city of Kharkiv, home to 1.3 million people.
Russia's Defense Ministry announced the capture of two frontline villages in eastern Ukraine, including Kyslivka in the Kharkiv region and Novokalynove in the Donetsk People's Republic. Ukrainian officials are concerned about a potential fresh offensive from Russia in the northeast amidst severe ammunition shortages. Moscow has been making territorial gains in the region, taking advantage of its military superiority as Kyiv awaits critical military aid, with retaliatory strikes launched by Russia against Ukrainian facilities.
On 12 March 2024, Ukrainian-backed Russian anti-government armed groups entered the territory of Belgorod and Kursk Oblasts in Russia from the territory of Ukraine. At least three groups, namely the Freedom of Russia Legion, Russian Volunteer Corps and Sibir Battalion participated in the incursion. They claimed control of four settlements in Kursk and Belgorod Oblasts, and multiple other areas remain under contested control. The Russian defence ministry denied this, repeatedly claiming it had beaten back the attackers and forced them to retreat, despite continued fighting in the region.
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.
A Ukrainian drone struck a refinery in Russias Kaluga region, resulting in a fire at the facility. This attack is part of a series targeting Russian energy infrastructure to cut off fuel supplies to the military and reduce export revenues for funding the war in Ukraine. Other regions faced drone strikes with houses set on fire. Russian authorities intercepted drones over several regions including Bryansk and Moscow. The attacks have led to a slump in Russias gasoline production. Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries are impacting global energy markets and causing disruptions.
Ukraine launched drones targeting Russian energy infrastructure in eight regions, resulting in fires at electrical substations and a fuel depot. Russian air defenses intercepted 50 drones, with casualties reported in Belgorod. The strikes were part of Ukraine's retaliatory actions in the ongoing conflict. Additionally, a pro-Kremlin journalist was killed in Zaporizhzhia during the attacks. The use of drones by Ukraine has escalated in recent months, focusing on Russian oil and gas facilities. Russia also retaliated by launching missiles at Ukraine, causing damage and casualties in Odesa and Kharkiv regions.
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.
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.
Russia launched more than 70 missiles and drones targeting energy infrastructure in Kyiv and six other cities in Ukraine, aiming to weaken industry and resistance. President Zelenskyy condemned the attack, which caused injuries and power cuts in nine regions. Moscow's actions are seen as attempts to hinder weapon production and lower public morale amidst the ongoing invasion. The assault coincided with Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in World War II Day, preceding Victory in Europe Day, which Russia and Ukraine celebrate on May 9 and May 8 respectively.
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.
Russia's defense ministry announced that it shot down 17 Ukrainian drones in several western regions including Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, and Kaluga. Ukraine has targeted Russian refineries and oil storage facilities, prompting significant production disruptions and energy rationing in Ukraine. The Moscow Times, an independent news source, has been labeled a "foreign agent" by the Russian government, sparking criticism and a call for support for open journalism. Reuters reported on Russia's air defense systems destroying the drones over different regions.
Kyiv city authorities evacuated two hospitals, including a children's hospital, following false claims by the head of the Belarusian KGB about terrorists being treated there, prompting fears of an imminent attack. Belarus is allied with Russia but has resisted direct involvement in the war. The evacuation was conducted swiftly to ensure the safety of the patients. Ukrainian officials dismissed the accusations as lies and provocations instigated by Russia. The US announced $6bn in new military aid for Ukraine amidst ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian territories.
A Ukrainian drone attacked a major oil processing plant in Russia's Bashkiria region from 1,500 km away, damaging a pumping station building at Gazprom's Neftekhim Salavat complex. Ukraine also targeted two oil depots in southern Russia, disrupting Russia's oil refining capacity. Unable to match Russia's missile arsenal, Ukraine focuses on long-range drones. Kyiv's drones also struck oil depots near Anapa, causing fires. Russian authorities reported a drone attack at a refinery in the Krasnodar region. This escalation highlights the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia through drone attacks on key energy facilities.
Russian forces initiated an armoured ground attack on Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region, advancing one kilometer near the border town of Vovchansk in an attempt to create a buffer zone in the war's new front. Ukrainian military sources reported repelling the attacks, with ongoing fighting in the border areas. Kyiv deployed additional forces as reinforcements to the region to hold back Russian forces from advancing up to 10 kilometers from the Russian border. The assault marks a significant escalation in the conflict more than two years after Russia's full-scale invasion.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski reflects on the Russia-Ukraine war, the passing of a foreign aid package, and expectations for the upcoming NATO summit. Anzhelika Sharonova and her mother evacuated their eastern Ukrainian town due to Russian forces advancing north and south of Toretsk. They relied on humanitarian aid in a virtually unlivable environment with no basic services or nearby hospital. Ukrainian civilians faced intense fighting, marked by pockmarked buildings and missile attacks on villages.
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.
Ukraine and Russia accused each other of deadly strikes on civilians, with the U.S. lawmakers preparing to vote on a $61 billion aid package for Kyiv. Ukrainian strikes targeted Russian regions with drones, hitting energy infrastructure. Russia claimed to intercept 50 Ukrainian drones, leading to a fuel depot fire. Ukrainian drones also killed two in Russia's Belgorod region. In retaliation, a Russian strategic bomber was shot down by a modified S-200 missile in Ukraine. The conflict escalated with casualties on both sides, including civilians.
Russia has launched a significant incursion into northeastern Ukraine with a ferocious barrage of artillery and airstrikes, capturing five villages and engaging in fierce fighting in the Kharkiv region. Russian troops are also closing in on the hilltop town of Chasiv Yar in the eastern Donbas region. Ukraine is deploying reserve forces to repel the assault, exacerbated by delays in Western weapons delivery. The US approved a $61 billion aid package, with Ukraine urging allies for timely arms deliveries. The situation remains critical as Ukrainian forces face Russian aggression and casualties mount.
A Russian man in his mid-forties was detained by Russia's FSB for placing homemade explosive devices near court buildings in Tambov, allegedly planned to detonate them on behalf of Ukraine. The FSB claims he was recruited by Ukrainian special services and visited pro-Ukrainian websites. Moscow has reported sabotage attacks on Russian territory, attributing them to Ukraine, while Kyiv denies responsibility.
A Russian-guided bomb attack in Ukraine's Kharkiv region resulted in the deaths of two civilians, with injuries to others, as the region continues to face near-constant bombardment from Russian artillery. The attack utilized new powerful guided aerial bombs, causing fires and casualties. Additionally, a 98-year-old woman escaped Russian-occupied territory by walking alone to safety. Ukrainian forces targeted Russian-occupied Crimea with Atacms missiles, and Ukraine seeks accelerated weapon deliveries, including Patriot missile systems from countries like the US. Poland will not protect draft dodgers from Ukrainian military service, and Norway plans to increase aid to Ukraine by 7 billion kroner. Shipping insurers breaching oil price caps on Russia face scrutiny, and Kyiv authorities removed a Soviet-era monument celebrating friendship with Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin accuses the West of risking a global conflict, vows to prevent it, and emphasizes Russia's readiness to defend itself as troops advance in Ukraine. Putin criticizes Western elites for forgetting the Soviet Union's role in defeating Nazi Germany. Ukraine, part of Russia's sphere of influence according to Putin, and the West see the conflict as an imperial land grab. Ukrainian President Zelensky compares Ukraine's defense against Russia to efforts against Nazi Germany. Russia celebrates Victory Day in May, portraying the war as a fight against fascism. Russian strikes in Ukraine injure seven, targeting Kharkiv and power facilities in multiple regions.
Russian forces have advanced in multiple locations along the eastern front in Ukraine, including northern Kharkiv region, prompting Kyiv to seek ammunition and weapons from the United States and other allies. The battlefield tempo has increased since the fall of Avdiivka, with modest tactical advances by Russia daily. Ukraine's armed forces face criticism for unrealistic updates, with Russian forces pushing forward in various settlements. Western analysts anticipate a major offensive by Russia, leveraging their advantage in ammunition. Ukraine is addressing quantitative weaknesses in manpower to bolster defense against Russian advances.
Ukrainian police evacuate elderly individuals following a Russian attack in the town of Vovchansk, Kharkiv region, on May 10, 2024.
K-329 Belgorod (Russian: БС-329 «Белгород») is a modified design of the Oscar II class (NATO designation) Russian nuclear submarine. It was laid down in July 1992 as a Project 949A cruise missile submarine, NATO designation Oscar II class. It was redesigned and the partly built hull was reconfigured as a special operations vessel, able to operate unmanned underwater vehicles. The vessel was relaid in December 2012. Due to chronic underfunding, its construction was suspended, then resumed at a low rate of progress before the ship was redesigned to become a unique vessel — the first Russian fifth-generation submarine, according to the Ministry of Defence.The K-329 Belgorod, along with the Status-6 Oceanic Multipurpose System, was one of the last weapons systems presented by Russian President Vladimir Putin during his annual speech in March 2018. It tested at sea in 1H2022 and was commissioned by the Russian Navy in July 2022. The submarine was delivered to the Russian Navy on 8 July 2022.In light of the decommissioning of the last Typhoon-class submarine in 2023, the Belgorod is the world's largest operational submarine.The Belgorod will reportedly be the first submarine to utilize the Status-6 Oceanic Multipurpose System.
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.
President Zelensky sacked the head of his personal protection unit, Serhiy Rud, after two officials were detained over an assassination plot targeting key figures. The detained colonels were suspected of having ties to Russia's FSB. Plot aimed at Zelensky, military intelligence chief, and head of state security. Zelensky frequently targeted by Russian plots. Parliament sacks deputy prime minister and farm minister, passes draft dodging crackdown. Zelensky appoints former army chief as ambassador to the UK. Russia scales down military parade display. Allies to provide Ukraine with more rocket systems.
Vladimir Putin's military intelligence agency, the GRU, is reportedly recruiting far-right extremists to carry out terror attacks in the UK and other NATO countries. The attacks in Western Europe and the US in the past six months are attributed to these Russia-drafted terrorists. Intelligence agencies are actively warning governments about the threat of these attacks. The recruitment targets right-wing extremists who are seen as pro-Russia, pro-Putin, and violent. The Kremlin's alleged proxy terrorist attacks may be a response to Western pressure on Russia, particularly concerning Ukraine.
An exhibition organized by the Russian Defense Ministry in Moscow features over 30 pieces of Western-made heavy equipment captured from Kyiv forces in Ukraine, including a U.S.-made M1 Abrams tank, a Bradley armored fighting vehicle, a Leopard 2 tank, a Marder armored infantry vehicle from Germany, and a French-made AMX-10RC armored vehicle. Russian authorities criticize Western weapon supplies to Ukraine as NATO involvement in the conflict. The exhibition aims to showcase the captured equipment and highlight Russia's military achievements in eastern Ukraine.
The Belgorod–Kharkov strategic offensive operation, or simply Belgorod–Kharkov offensive operation, was a Soviet strategic summer offensive that aimed to recapture Belgorod and Kharkov, and destroy Nazi German forces of the 4th Panzer Army and Army Detachment Kempf. The operation was codenamed Operation Polkovodets Rumyantsev (Russian: Полководец Румянцев), after the 18th-century Field Marshal Peter Rumyantsev and was conducted by the Voronezh and Steppe Fronts (army groups) in the southern sector of the Kursk Bulge. The battle was referred to as the Fourth Battle of Kharkov (German: Vierte Schlacht bei Charkow) by the Germans.The operation began in the early hours of 3 August 1943, with the objective of following up the successful Soviet defensive effort in the Battle of Kursk. The offensive was directed against the German Army Group South's northern flank. By 23 August, the troops of the Voronezh and Steppe Fronts had recaptured Kharkov. It was the last time that Kharkov changed hands during the Soviet-German War. The operation led to the retreat of the German forces in Ukraine behind the Dnieper River and set the stage for the Battle of Kiev in autumn 1943.
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.
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.
This timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine covers the period from 1 December 2023 to the present day.
Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that Ukrainian forces have retreated from positions in Donetsk due to Russian attacks and a shortage of supplies, despite a recent $61bn US military aid package. Russia has achieved tactical successes and advanced towards Kyiv-controlled areas. The new US weapons have yet to reach the frontlines where Ukrainian troops face challenges with ammunition, manpower, and air defenses. Gen Syrskyi, appointed in February, replaced his predecessor amidst worsening battlefield conditions in eastern Ukraine.
A passenger bus in St. Petersburg, Russia, carrying around 20 passengers, plunged into the Moika River, resulting in at least seven deaths and six injuries. The driver was arrested and charged with traffic violations, facing up to seven years in prison. The owner of the bus had a history of violations, and private companies run most of the city's bus services. The incident led to a criminal investigation into alleged traffic violations and unsafe travel services.
Kyiv Oblast (Ukrainian: Київська область, romanized: Kyïvsʹka oblastʹ, IPA: [ˈkɪjiu̯sʲkɐ ˈɔblɐsʲtʲ]), also called Kyivshchyna (Ukrainian: Київщина, IPA: [ˈkɪjiu̯ʃtʃɪnɐ]), is an oblast (province) in central and northern Ukraine. It surrounds, but does not include, the city of Kyiv, which is administered as a city with special status, though Kyiv also serves as the administrative center of the oblast. The Kyiv metropolitan area extends out from Kyiv city into parts of the oblast, which is significantly dependent on the urban economy and transportation of Kyiv.The population of Kyiv Oblast is 1,795,079 (2022 estimate). Its largest city is Bila Tserkva, with a population over 200,000.The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone is in the northern part of Kyiv Oblast. It is administered separately from the oblast and public access is prohibited.
The Ghost of Kyiv (Ukrainian: Привид Києва, romanized: Pryvyd Kyieva, pronounced [ˈprɪʋɪd ˈkɪjeʋɐ]) is the nickname given to a mythical MiG-29 Fulcrum flying ace credited with shooting down six Russian planes over Kyiv during the Kyiv offensive on 24 February 2022. Various reports, including the Security Service of Ukraine, made similar claims. The Ghost of Kyiv has been credited as a morale booster for Ukrainians during the Russo-Ukrainian War.Two months after the story spread, the Ukrainian Air Force acknowledged that the fighter was a myth, and warned people not to "neglect the basic rules of information hygiene" and to "check the sources of information, before spreading it". Experts have stated that stories such as Ghost of Kyiv are part of Ukrainian propaganda or a morale-boosting campaign, or potentially both.
The Western Russian fortresses are a system of fortifications built by the Russian Empire in Eastern Europe in the early 19th century. The fortifications were constructed in three chains at strategic locations along Russia's western border, primarily to combat the threat of Prussia (later Germany) and Austria-Hungary, and to establish Russian rule in new western territories. By the late 19th century the fortifications were obsolete and the system became defunct by the collapse of the Russian Empire in 1917.
The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (Russian: Вооружённые Си́лы Росси́йской Федера́ции, Vooružjonnyje Síly Rossíjskoj Federácii), commonly referred to as the Russian Armed Forces, are the military of Russia. In terms of active-duty personnel, they are the world's fifth-largest military force, with 1.15 million and at least two million reserve personnel. According to the United States' Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), "Russia plans to expand its active personnel force to 1.5 million by 2026, which will make it the third largest in the world, after China and India." The country has three primary branches of service: the Ground Forces, the Navy, and the Aerospace Forces, as well as two independent arms of service: the Strategic Rocket Forces and Airborne Forces. In addition, the Special Operations Forces Command was established in 2013, with an estimated strength in 2022 of 1,000, possibly with additional supporting staff.In 2023, Russia had the world's third-highest military expenditure, allocating a budget of approximately US$86.4 billion to the military. The Russian Armed Forces maintain the world's largest stockpile of nuclear weapons, and possess the world's second-largest fleet of ballistic missile submarines; they are also one of only three national militaries (alongside those of the United States and China) that operate strategic bombers. With certain exceptions, Russian law mandates one year of military service for all male citizens aged 18–27.In spite of Russia's perceived military strength, as recorded in various assessments, deficiencies have been noted in the country's combat performance on both the tactical and operational scales. According to multiple reports, endemic corruption within the Russian Armed Forces has had a major impact on Russia's ability to effectively project hard power. Amidst the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, severe logistical failures have greatly impacted the operational performance of Russian troops, as different service branches have struggled to coordinate and work together. Continuous shortcomings have led Russia's war effort to suffer extensive setbacks since the initial invasion; the Russian Armed Forces have experienced successive losses of occupied/annexed territory, the large-scale destruction and squandering of their equipment, and a notably high casualty rate. Researchers from the US-funded RAND Corporation have observed that Russia continues to struggle with military professionalization.Directly controlled by the Security Council of Russia, the Russian Armed Forces form part of the country's defence services under Russian law, fulfilling this capacity alongside the Border Guard of the Federal Security Service, the National Guard, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Federal Protective Service, the Foreign Intelligence Service, and the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
The US announced a $400 million military aid package to Ukraine, including Patriot missile system munitions, HIMARS systems, Stinger anti-air missiles, artillery rounds, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, and more. This marks the third tranche of aid since Congress approved $60 billion in additional funding last month. The package aims to provide urgently needed firepower as Russian forces target Kharkiv. President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude and hopes to have the weapons on the battlefield soon. The White House believes these shipments will prevent significant Russian gains for the remainder of the year, with total US military aid to Ukraine since the 2022 invasion amounting to $50.6 billion.
The battle of Kyiv was part of the Kyiv offensive in the Russian invasion of Ukraine for control of Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine, and surrounding districts. The combatants were elements of the Russian Armed Forces and Ukrainian Armed Forces. The battle lasted from 25 February 2022 to 2 April 2022 and ended with the withdrawal of Russian forces.Initially, Russian forces captured key areas to the north and west of Kyiv, leading to international prediction of the city's imminent fall. However, stiff Ukrainian resistance sapped Russian momentum. Poor Russian logistics and tactical decisions helped the defenders to thwart efforts at encirclement, and, after a month of protracted fighting, Ukrainian forces began counterattacking.Following the successful Ukrainian counterattacks in late March Russia began withdrawing its forces from the Kyiv area on 29 March. Four days later, the Ukrainian authorities declared that Kyiv and the surrounding Kyiv Oblast were again under Ukrainian control.
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