684 Day the Russia-Ukraine War Conflict Updates
Ukraine's Air Force Downs 21 of 28 Russian Drones; 12 Injured in Drone Attack on Dnipro
HERE IS THE SITUATION ON SATURDAY 8 JAN , 2024. (684 DAY)
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, it successfully intercepted and shot down 21 out of 28 Russian drones targeting the southern and eastern regions of the country. Additionally, Russia launched three cruise missiles, as reported by the Air Force, though no further details were provided.
In a separate incident, Dnipropetrovsk regional authorities disclosed that 12 individuals sustained injuries in a Russian drone attack on the city of Dnipro.
Local officials reported that two individuals lost their lives in the city of Kherson, as Russian forces, occupying the opposite bank of the Dnipro River, subjected the city to multiple shelling attacks. Roman Mrochko, the head of the Kherson city administration, mentioned several injuries in the aftermath.
In the northeast, the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office confirmed one fatality and two civilian casualties, including a child, in Russian shelling of Kupiansk.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defence Ministry stated that soldiers on the front line in Ukraine observed Orthodox Christmas, with military priests leading prayer services.
Japanese Foreign Minister Pledges Support Amidst Air Raid Alert in Kyiv
During an unannounced visit to Kyiv, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa committed $37 million to NATO to assist Ukraine in countering Russian drone strikes. Additionally, Japan announced the donation of five mobile gas turbine generators and seven transformers to ensure a stable power supply. Forced to conduct her press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba underground due to an air raid alert, Kamikawa affirmed Japan’s determination to support Ukraine for the restoration of peace.
President Zelenskyy Addresses Stability in Battlefield and European Defense
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking at a security conference in Sweden, conveyed that the situation on the battlefield remained relatively stable, expressing confidence in Ukraine’s ability to resist Russian forces. Meanwhile, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom emphasized that supporting Ukraine would be a primary focus of Sweden’s foreign policy in the coming years.
Zelenskyy Calls for Joint European Weapons Production
Highlighting the lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, President Zelenskyy underscored the necessity for Europe to establish joint weapons production. He emphasized that such collaboration is crucial for Europe to “preserve itself” and safeguard its freedoms.
