As the war enters its 868th day, these are the main developments.
The conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate as of July 12, 2024. Recent developments include:
Fighting
- The Ukrainian Air Force successfully intercepted and downed multiple cruise missiles and drones launched by Russia, with a focus on the town of Starokostiantyniv.
- Russian forces carried out deadly attacks in east and northeast Ukraine, resulting in civilian casualties.
- A Ukrainian drone strike in southern Russia caused injuries to several children.
- Ukraine seized a cargo ship and detained its captain for alleged illegal export of Ukrainian grain.
Diplomacy
- President Joe Biden reaffirmed the US’s support for Ukraine at a NATO summit.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged NATO allies to lift restrictions on strikes inside Russia for Ukraine to win the war.
- Zelenskyy declared Ukraine’s close proximity to NATO membership despite the summit’s outcomes.
- China criticized NATO’s stance on Ukraine as supportive of Russia.
- Norway pledged financial support for Ukraine’s air defense.
- The UN demanded Russia remove unauthorized personnel from Ukraine’s nuclear power plant.
- The Kremlin expressed concerns about the US’s missile deployment plans in Germany.
Politics
- Russia labeled opposition figure Yulia Navalnaya as a “terrorist” and “extremist.”
- A Moscow court upheld a prison sentence against human rights advocate Oleg Orlov for criticizing the war.