800 Days of the War in Ukraine: Updates and Developments
As the war in Ukraine enters its 800th day, the situation remains grim and volatile. Here are the main developments from Saturday, May 4, 2024:
Fighting
- France estimates that 150,000 Russian soldiers have been killed during the invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the devastating toll of the conflict.
- Russia claims to have downed four US-made long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems over Crimea, escalating tensions in the region.
- Tragically, two people lost their lives in a Russian attack on the city of Kurakhove, with two others sustaining injuries.
- Russia launched nighttime drone attacks on Kharkiv and Dnipro, causing damage to critical infrastructure and injuring civilians.
- The Ukrainian Air Force successfully intercepted and downed 13 drones launched by Russian forces, preventing further harm to the population.
- In another disturbing incident, a missile attack in Kirovohrad region resulted in severe injuries and damage to homes and infrastructure.
- The FSB claims to have thwarted a potential terrorist attack on military and energy sites in Russia, highlighting the ongoing threat of violence.
Politics
- The Kremlin expressed concern over British Foreign Secretary’s remarks on Ukraine using British weapons against Russia, calling it a dangerous escalation.
- Britain has pledged significant military aid to Ukraine, demonstrating a commitment to supporting the country in its time of need.
- Russia has criticized France’s President for suggesting the deployment of ground troops in Ukraine, underscoring the complexity of international relations in the conflict.
- The US-China tensions have spilled over into Russian accusations of economic containment, adding another layer of complexity to the global dynamics.
- A Russian military court’s decision to extend detentions of a director and playwright has underscored the challenges faced by artists in the midst of the conflict.
Economy
- Ukraine’s central bank has introduced new currency liberalization measures to ease restrictions on businesses, aiming to stimulate economic activity in the war-torn country.
- The lifting of currency restrictions and easing of transfer restrictions are expected to provide businesses with new opportunities for growth and investment.
- Ukraine’s economy, supported by Western aid, has shown signs of recovery with a 5.3 percent growth last year and a projected 3 percent growth this year.