A Comprehensive Overview of Key Events in the Russia-Ukraine War on Day 639

Latest Developments in the Ongoing War

As the war enters its 639th day, here are the main updates.

Here is the situation on Friday, November 24, 2023.

Fighting

• The head of the military administration in Avdiivka, Vitaliy Barabash, reported intense attacks by Russian forces on the town. Barabash stated that the city experiences an average of eight to 18 air attacks per day, sometimes even reaching 30. Despite the relentless assault, the defense line remains intact. The population of Avdiivka has drastically decreased from 32,000 to fewer than 1,400 due to the war, with 102 residents being evacuated in the past week.
• Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed that at least six people lost their lives and five were injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine. Among the casualties were three individuals in a cluster bomb attack on a suburb of Kherson. Cluster bombs, used by both Russia and Ukraine, have faced criticism for their impact on civilians.
• Tragedy struck when Russian actress Polina Menshikh was killed during a Ukrainian attack while performing for Russian troops in a Russian-controlled area of eastern Ukraine. The incident occurred in the village of Kumachovo, resulting in the death of one civilian. Ukraine claimed to have targeted Russia’s 810th Separate Naval Infantry Brigade during a military award ceremony, causing 25 deaths and 100 injuries. However, Russia did not acknowledge any military casualties. Kumachovo is located approximately 60km (37 miles) from the front line.
• Russian journalist Boris Maksudov passed away from injuries sustained in a Ukrainian drone strike on a Russian-occupied part of Zaporizhia. Although Russia’s Defence Ministry initially stated that his injuries were not life-threatening, Maksudov tragically succumbed to them.

Politics and Diplomacy

• The national seed bank of Ukraine, which holds the 10th largest seed collection globally, has been relocated to a safer location, according to Crop Trust, a nonprofit organization. The genebank includes crucial seed species like wheat and rapeseed, which play a vital role in ensuring food security.
• A Russian military court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced Ukrainian Dmitri Golubev to 18 years in prison for attempting to bomb buildings in the Moscow-occupied Ukrainian city of Melitopol. The court found Golubev guilty of “international terrorism” related to one explosion and two attempted blasts. Russian state media reported that the plot was allegedly orchestrated by Kyiv.
• Sergey Mironov, a Russian lawmaker and supporter of President Vladimir Putin, denied allegations made by the BBC that he adopted a child forcibly taken from a Ukrainian orphanage in Kherson. Mironov dismissed the investigation as a “hysteric fake” and an “information attack” aimed at discrediting him.
• A Russian court fined Google four million roubles ($44,582) for failing to remove what the court deemed as “fake information” about the progress of the war in Ukraine.

About the Article

“As the war enters its 639th day, this article provides an update on the latest developments. From intense fighting in Avdiivka to tragic incidents involving civilians and journalists, the situation remains highly volatile. Additionally, we explore the political and diplomatic aspects of the ongoing conflict, including the relocation of Ukraine’s seed bank and legal proceedings against individuals accused of terrorism. Stay informed with this comprehensive overview of the war.”

Conclusion

“The war in Ukraine continues to have devastating consequences, with daily attacks and casualties on both sides. It is crucial to stay informed about the evolving situation and understand the impact it has on civilians, military personnel, and diplomatic relations. Our article aims to shed light on the latest updates and provide a comprehensive overview of the ongoing conflict.”