Here are the key events on day 1,218 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Fighting
Moscow’s city mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, stated that Russian air defense units intercepted and destroyed two drones targeting the city, causing Vnukovo International Airport to halt departures and arrivals temporarily. The aviation watchdog Rosaviatsiya confirmed these restrictions impacted airports along the Volga River as well.
According to the governor of the Russian region of Voronezh, which shares a border with Ukraine, over 40 Ukrainian drones were destroyed throughout the day.
In Russia’s Bryansk region, which is also adjacent to Ukraine, the regional governor reported the destruction of seven drones.
Earlier in the evening, the Russian Ministry of Defence announced that it had intercepted and destroyed a total of 18 drones within a three-hour period across several regions, spanning from central to southern Russia.
Russian forces have reportedly captured the area of Yalta within Ukraine’s eastern region, as claimed by RIA, referring to the nation’s Defence Ministry.
Politics and diplomacy
- NATO allies have committed to boosting their annual defense spending to 5% of their gross domestic product (GDP) by 2035. This commitment underscores their resolve in the face of Russia’s military threat and reinforces their pledge to collective defense.
US President Donald Trump has expressed his readiness to supply Ukraine with additional Patriot missiles to help them counter increasing Russian strikes. He also emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin needs to end the conflict.
- Trump also hinted at upcoming discussions with Putin to facilitate an end to the war. He noted the possibility of Russia having further territorial ambitions beyond Ukraine.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the potential joint production of drones with Trump during their meeting on the sidelines of the NATO summit.
Through a pact between Ukraine and the Council of Europe, a new tribunal is set to be established to prosecute high-ranking Russian officials for the aggression committed against Ukraine. This agreement, signed by Zelenskyy and Council of Europe’s Secretary-General Alain Berset, marks a significant step towards ensuring accountability.
- Zelenskyy stressed the necessity of political and legal courage to ensure that every Russian “war criminal,” including Putin, faces justice.
According to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, the entire NATO, including the US, is fully dedicated to supporting Ukraine against Russia’s invasion.
Russian President Putin has decided against attending next week’s BRICS summit in Brazil, due to an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court, as announced by Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev characterized the European Union as an adversary of Russia, presenting a direct threat to its security. Consequently, Moscow opposes Ukraine’s potential accession to the EU.
- German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius highlighted the significance of the US partnership in the Ukraine conflict. The allies are focused on keeping Washington engaged and interested in the situation, as Pistorius revealed in an interview with ARD.
