On Sunday, August 25, 2024, a series of Russian missile and drone strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 18 people and left 37 others injured. The attacks targeted front-line Ukrainian regions, including Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Donetsk. Among the casualties was Ryan Evans, a safety adviser for Reuters, who was killed in a strike on a hotel in Kramatorsk. Two other Reuters journalists were injured in the same attack, with one sustaining serious injuries, while three others in the team were unharmed.
Russian officials reported that six civilians were killed in Ukrainian attacks on regions along the Russian border. These conflicting reports highlight the ongoing intensity and volatility of the conflict, with both sides accusing each other of targeting civilians and violating ceasefire agreements.
In a significant development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian forces had made advances of up to 3 kilometers into Russia’s Kursk region, capturing two new settlements. The situation in Kursk remains tense as Russia’s Ministry of Defence has responded by deploying additional missiles and artillery to the area to counter Ukrainian advances.
Russian Strikes Kill 18 and Injure 37 in Ukrainian Regions as Zelenskyy Announces Advances
Ukraine has also raised concerns about Belarus, calling for the withdrawal of substantial Belarusian military forces and equipment from the Gomel region near the Ukrainian border. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has cautioned Belarus against making any “tragic mistakes” under pressure from Moscow, signaling the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region.
Amidst the ongoing conflict, efforts for peace continue, with Zelenskyy engaging in talks with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and Switzerland regarding a second summit for peace. Additionally, the Ukrainian President expressed support for India hosting this potential summit, a sentiment shared during a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kyiv.
Meanwhile, Pope Francis has publicly criticized the Ukrainian government’s decision to ban a Russia-linked branch of the Orthodox Church, urging respect for religious institutions.
