Russia-Ukraine War: Key Events on Day 1,353
As the Russia-Ukraine war reaches its 1,353rd day, intense fighting, diplomatic moves, and humanitarian crises dominate the headlines. Below is a concise breakdown of today’s most critical developments.
1. Heavy Fighting in Donetsk as Russia Presses Offensive
Russian forces escalated attacks near Avdiivka and Bakhmut, with artillery and drone strikes pounding Ukrainian defenses. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) noted Russia’s push for territorial gains, though Ukrainian troops held key positions.
2. Ukrainian Drone Strike Hits Russian Oil Refinery
Ukraine targeted a major oil refinery in Krasnodar, causing a massive fire and disrupting fuel supplies. This marks Kyiv’s third such strike in a week, aiming to cripple Russia’s war economy. Moscow called it “terrorism,” while Ukraine defended it as a legitimate military target.
3. NATO Approves $1.2B Military Aid Package for Ukraine
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced new air defenses, artillery, and drones for Ukraine. The alliance warned that delayed support could embolden Russia, reaffirming commitment to Kyiv’s sovereignty.
4. Russia Threatens Escalation Over Western Weapons
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that Moscow would view long-range Western weapons used inside Russia as a direct provocation. The U.S. and UK recently allowed Ukraine to strike Russian territory, raising tensions.
5. Kharkiv Evacuations as Russian Shelling Intensifies
Ukrainian officials ordered mandatory evacuations in Kharkiv Oblast after civilian deaths and heavy shelling. The UN reported 10,000+ displaced in a week, highlighting worsening humanitarian conditions.
6. Russia Claims Capture of Novomykhailivka (Unverified)
Moscow announced seizing the Donetsk village of Novomykhailivka, though Ukraine has not confirmed. Analysts suggest Russia seeks more territory before potential negotiations.
7. Ukraine Expands Drone Warfare Against Russia
Ukrainian forces struck Russian logistics hubs and electronic warfare systems using domestically produced drones. Military officials called these attacks a “game-changer” for precision strikes.
8. New EU Sanctions Target Russian LNG and Shadow Fleet
The EU finalized its 14th sanctions package, aiming at LNG exports and oil-trading loopholes. Meanwhile, China faced backlash for maintaining trade with Moscow despite peace talks rhetoric.
9. Zelensky Urges Faster Western Military Support
President Zelensky held talks with France’s Macron and Germany’s Scholz, pleading for stronger air defenses and expedited weapon deliveries. He stressed that Ukraine’s survival hinges on Western aid.
10. BBC Exposes Russian Disinformation on Child Soldiers
A BBC investigation debunked a Kremlin propaganda campaign falsely accusing Ukraine of using child soldiers, exposing Russia’s ongoing disinformation tactics.
Outlook: War Grinds On with No Clear End
With no ceasefire in sight, Ukraine relies on Western aid to resist Russian advances, while Moscow pursues costly territorial gains. The arrival of F-16s and new weapons could shift dynamics in the coming weeks.
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— Reported by NextMinuteNews Team
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