Ukraine's Contact Group is expected by President Selenskyy to reinforce air defense capabilities
In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, several significant events have transpired over the past few days.
Power Plant Damaged, Gas Supply Disrupted
A power plant near Kyiv has been hit by a Russian drone strike, causing damage to the facility. Remarkably, the power distribution grid has remained balanced, avoiding any widespread power outages. However, the gas supply to areas near the power plant will be disrupted for several days.
Airspace Violations and Denied Attacks
Russia has been accused of violating Estonia's airspace, with an Mi-8 helicopter entering without permission. Meanwhile, Russia has denied attacking the government building of the Cabinet of Ministers in Kyiv.
German Army Restocks Patriot Missiles, Russia Recruits More Soldiers
The German Army is set to purchase an additional 300 Patriot air defense missiles from the US, with part of the order aimed at restocking supplies after providing anti-tank missiles to Ukraine. Russia, on the other hand, has recruited around 280,000 soldiers since the beginning of the year, and is on track to meet its recruitment target of 343,000 by the end of the year.
Heavy Attacks on Kyiv, Infrastructure Targeted
Russia is reportedly launching the heaviest attack wave on the Ukrainian capital since the start of the war, with the government building on fire for the first time. Additionally, Russia is attacking bridges on the Dnieper during the battle for the city of Pokrowsk in Donetsk.
Casualties, Injuries, and International Response
At least 5 people are killed and 44 others injured in the massive Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine overnight Saturday. The Ukrainian General Staff reports that 910 Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded in the past 24 hours.
International responses include the US President Donald Trump announcing that he will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin "very soon." Germany and France are pushing for EU sanctions against the Russian oil giant Lukoil, including considering sanctions against Lukoil's trading subsidiary Litasco. Germany has also promised to contribute to security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire or peace solution.
Ukraine's Key Goals, Drone Crash, and Human Rights Concerns
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has set the "key goals" for a meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group, with strengthening air defense being the top priority. A drone has crashed in Poland near the border with Belarus, with the wreckage found in a cornfield near the village of Polatycze.
As the conflict continues, there are growing concerns about Russia's increasing isolation from the West and the potential impact on human rights in the country. Ukraine hopes for new sanctions from the US after the heaviest attack by Russia so far hits the capital Kyiv.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has declared that Russia does not want to build walls, despite the confrontation with the West over the war in Ukraine. Russia has also submitted a bill to withdraw from the European anti-torture convention.
Controversial American Erik Prince is pitching for business in the Ukrainian drone sector. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has promised that Germany will contribute to security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire or peace solution, but did not specify what the guarantees would look like.
