Russian attacks, US and EU sanctions, and new international support for Ukraine mark another day of the ongoing conflict
On day 1,337 of the Russia-Ukraine war, the battlefield, diplomacy, and international sanctions continue to shape the conflict, with significant developments in military operations, financial measures, and foreign aid.
Fighting
Russia claimed capture of Pavlivka in Zaporizhia and Ivanivka in Dnipropetrovsk, while striking Ukrainian energy infrastructure in response to attacks on Russian civilian targets. Ukrainian officials reported six civilian deaths, including two children, and widespread power outages.
Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 405 drones and 28 missiles, targeting energy sites. Ukraine shot down 16 missiles and 333 drones, though some struck their targets. Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk warned of a methodical Russian campaign to destroy Ukraine’s energy system, targeting repair crews after initial strikes.
Russian drones attacked Kyiv for the second consecutive night, injuring four and damaging residential buildings, including a kindergarten. Ukraine retaliated by striking a weapons plant in Mordovia and an oil refinery in Dagestan.
Russia plans to deploy reservists to defend critical infrastructure, according to Vice Admiral Vladimir Tsimlyansky, while President Vladimir Putin oversaw a nuclear forces test including intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched missiles, and nuclear-capable cruise missiles.
Sanctions
US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Russian oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil, citing Putin’s “refusal to end this senseless war.” The US Treasury called on allies to join the sanctions, aimed at degrading Russia’s war funding.
The EU approved its 19th package of sanctions, banning Russian LNG imports in two stages, while Britain allowed limited dealings with German subsidiaries of Rosneft. Ukraine urged European countries to allow flexible use of $163bn in frozen Russian assets for arms, reconstruction, and victim compensation.
Trump also postponed a summit with Putin, citing stalled diplomacy, and voiced concerns over China’s purchases of Russian oil.
Military and Financial Aid
Trump denied US involvement in Ukraine’s long-range missile use inside Russia. Meanwhile, Sweden signed a letter of intent to supply up to 150 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine, with deployment expected next year. Norway pledged another $149.4 million for natural gas to secure electricity and heating in Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the strategic importance of the Swedish jets for his army, highlighting maneuverability and operational efficiency.
The war shows no signs of slowing, as military offensives, international sanctions, and global aid continue to influence the conflict’s trajectory. Each new day underscores the humanitarian, financial, and geopolitical stakes facing both Russia and Ukraine.