A Comprehensive Overview of Key Events in the Russia-Ukraine War on Day 676

Latest Developments in the Ongoing War

As the war enters its 676th day, here are the main updates:

Here is the situation on Sunday, December 31, 2023.

Fighting

• Russia reported that a residential area in Belgorod near the Ukrainian border was hit by an attack from Kyiv, resulting in the death of at least 21 people, including three children. Dozens more were injured.
• In response to the Belgorod attack, Ukraine stated that Russia fired two S-300 surface-to-surface missiles at the town of Kharkiv in the northeast. The missiles were believed to have been launched from Belgorod, approximately 30km (19 miles) away from the Ukrainian border. At least 21 people were injured in Kharkiv.

• The Ukrainian Armed Forces reported shooting down 10 Iranian-made Shahed drones across various regions. Additionally, air defense systems near the capital successfully repelled a new Russian bombardment.
• The Polish Army concluded its ground search for parts of a suspected Russian rocket that violated Poland’s airspace. The Russian charge d’affaires was summoned by Poland to provide an explanation for the breach.

Politics and Diplomacy

• Russia faced criticism at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for its extensive air assault on Ukraine, which resulted in the destruction of a maternity hospital, apartment blocks, and schools, as well as the death of at least 41 people. Kyiv and its allies called for an urgent UNSC meeting to address the strikes. Russia also requested a UNSC session following the Belgorod attack, labeling it as a “terrorist attack by the Kyiv regime against a civilian city”.
• United States President Joe Biden described Russia’s missile attack as a stark reminder of Putin’s commitment to destroying Ukraine and urged Congress to continue funding Ukraine despite opposition from right-wing Republicans.

• Ukraine’s Infrastructure Minister revealed that the country had exported approximately 13 million tonnes of cargo on around 400 ships since establishing a protected maritime corridor in August. This corridor was established after Moscow abandoned the Black Sea grain deal brokered by the UN and Turkey, which had previously ensured safe passage for Ukraine’s exports.

Author’s Perspective

“The ongoing war in Ukraine continues to escalate, with devastating attacks and mounting casualties. It is crucial for the international community to take immediate action and support Ukraine in its fight for peace and sovereignty.”