Russia-Ukraine War: Key Events on Day 1,059
Major Developments in the Ongoing Conflict
Fighting and Military Actions Four people lost their lives in Kyiv overnight following a Russian ballistic missile attack, according to the head of Ukraine’s military. Explosions echoed across the capital as air raid sirens blared, and air defense units engaged incoming threats.
Ukraine’s air force reported successfully intercepting 24 drones and two ballistic missiles during the overnight assault. In total, Russian forces launched 39 drones and four missiles targeting multiple regions across Ukraine.
In retaliation, Ukraine continued its campaign against Russian oil infrastructure, striking fuel depots in the Tula and Kaluga regions, located south of Moscow. Images circulating online show the depots engulfed in flames. Meanwhile, the governor of Kaluga claimed that several Ukrainian drones were intercepted before reaching their targets.
Elsewhere, air defense units in Russia’s Bryansk and Smolensk regions claimed to have downed a combined 14 Ukrainian drones, with no casualties reported.
A joint investigation by BBC Russia and Mediazona estimates that nearly 89,000 Russian soldiers have been killed in Ukraine, marking an increase of 3,965 deaths since mid-December. However, analysts believe the true number is likely higher, as only verifiable casualties are included in the count.
Fighting has intensified near Ukraine’s crucial coking coal mines in Udachne, west of Pokrovsk. These mines are a vital resource for Ukraine’s metallurgical industries in Kryvyi Rih, which rely heavily on their output.
Allegations of War Crimes A pro-Russian Telegram channel has published disturbing videos appearing to show two Russian soldiers displaying the severed heads of Ukrainian soldiers on pikes. Additional footage purportedly depicts Ukrainian prisoners of war from the 155th Naval Infantry Brigade being mistreated, with bodies desecrated.
Impact on Russian Oil and Gas Industry According to Reuters, Russian petroleum exports have declined by more than 10 percent in 2024 due to repeated Ukrainian drone strikes on oil facilities.
In response to Russia’s use of a so-called “shadow fleet” to bypass sanctions, the United States has imposed new restrictions on six Russian oil tankers currently under construction at the Zvezda shipyard. This marks the first instance of sanctions specifically targeting the vessels before they become operational.
Regional and International Diplomacy Russia and Iran have formalized a renewed “comprehensive strategic partnership treaty” to enhance military and intelligence collaboration. While Iran has not committed to full-scale military support for Russia, the agreement emphasizes cooperation against shared security threats.
In the Baltic Sea, France’s defense minister accused Russian forces of “intimidation” after a Russian ground-to-air defense system reportedly locked onto a French patrol aircraft during a routine mission.
Amid tensions with Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico—who has threatened to cut support to Ukraine—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Slovakia’s opposition leader in Kyiv in an effort to maintain diplomatic ties.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited the Auschwitz concentration camp ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Holocaust. During his visit, he held a press conference with Polish President Donald Tusk. Starmer’s trip followed a visit to Ukraine, where he signed a security agreement with President Zelenskyy, reaffirming the UK’s continued support for Kyiv.
Outgoing US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concern that the incoming Trump administration may overturn key Biden-era policies on Ukraine. In an interview with the Associated Press, Blinken said he hopes for continuity in Washington’s aid to Kyiv but acknowledged that significant changes could be on the horizon.