As Russia’s war on Ukraine enters Day 1,234, the conflict has intensified on multiple fronts, with massive drone and missile assaults, civilian casualties, and increasing international diplomatic activity.
Frontline and Air Attacks
- Russia launched 597 drones and 26 missiles in a major overnight assault across Ukraine, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- In Kharkiv, a maternity hospital was hit by drones, shattering windows and terrifying patients. Three women and three newborns suffered acute stress and required treatment.
- One person was killed and five injured in other attacks across the Kharkiv region, according to Governor Oleh Syniehubov. An apartment block was also damaged.
- In Odesa, drone strikes left eight people wounded, with images showing distressed families fleeing damaged homes.
- Ukraine retaliated by targeting a Russian fighter jet factory in the Moscow region and a missile production site in Tula, resulting in explosions and fires.
- The Russian Defence Ministry claimed to have downed 155 Ukrainian drones, including 11 aimed at Moscow.
- In Tula, about 200km south of Moscow, one person died and another was injured in Ukraine’s drone attack.
Territorial Developments
- Russia announced its forces had captured the village of Zelena Dolyna in the Donetsk region, pushing westward toward Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
Diplomacy and International Relations
- The U.S. has resumed military aid to Ukraine. Special envoy Keith Kellogg is expected in Kyiv next week to discuss further cooperation.
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, after a meeting with U.S. Senator Marco Rubio in Malaysia, claimed he had presented President Putin’s peace terms.
- Lavrov arrived in North Korea ahead of talks with its foreign minister and will travel next to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.
- South Korea’s intelligence agency warned that North Korea may send additional troops to support Russia in July or August. Over 10,000 troops have reportedly already been deployed.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected French President Macron’s peacekeeping plan and criticized “anti-Russian militarism” in Europe.
- Peskov also hinted at anticipation over U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming “major statement” regarding the war.
- He defended Russian media censorship, saying it is justified during wartime. Major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter) remain banned in Russia.
Humanitarian and Economic Impact
- IOM Director-General Amy Pope warned that global fatigue and reduced aid threaten support for displaced Ukrainians.
- Despite a recent €10 billion aid pledge at a recovery summit in Rome, humanitarian needs remain urgent.
- The UNCTAD-Russia food export agreement will expire on July 22 without renewal, potentially worsening global food insecurity.
Weapons and Military Spending
- Germany denied reports it plans to expand its F-35 fighter jet fleet beyond the 35 already ordered.
- NATO must bolster its long-range missile arsenal, warned U.S. Major-General John Rafferty, as Russia ramps up production.
- Kyiv authorities allocated $6.2 million to a drone interceptor initiative aimed at shielding the capital from
