As the Russia-Ukraine war enters day 1,350, intense fighting, tightening sanctions, and the unveiling of new weapons reveal a conflict that’s escalating on every front — from the battlefield to global diplomacy.
Fierce Battles in the East as Ukraine Pushes Back
On the 1,350th day of the Russia-Ukraine war, fierce clashes erupted in the shattered city of Pokrovsk, a crucial logistics hub in eastern Ukraine. According to Kyiv’s military, battles raged through the ruins, with Ukrainian troops holding ground vital to their front-line supply chains.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a surprise visit to troops fighting near Dobropillia, praising their determination in ongoing counteroffensive operations. “We will not yield an inch,” Zelenskyy said, emphasizing Ukraine’s resilience despite months of grinding conflict.
Overnight, Russian drone attacks struck Odesa’s port and energy infrastructure, igniting fires across the southern region. Emergency crews managed to contain the blazes, and no casualties were reported, local officials confirmed.
Ukraine retaliated with drone strikes deep inside Russia, hitting the Lukoil refinery in Nizhny Novgorod and a petrochemical plant in Bashkortostan. Ukraine’s military claimed “considerable damage,” while Russian authorities downplayed the impact, saying both facilities remained operational.
In response to the increasing attacks, President Vladimir Putin signed a new law allowing military reservists to guard oil refineries, following mounting fuel shortages in several regions.
Putin Showcases New Weapons as Zelenskyy Calls for Aid
In a national address, Putin boasted about Russia’s new-generation weapons, including the Burevestnik cruise missile and Poseidon super torpedo, claiming they are faster and more effective than Western systems. The Burevestnik, he said, can fly three times the speed of sound, giving Russia a “strategic edge.”
He also confirmed the mass production of the Oreshnik missile, first used against Ukraine in late 2024.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy renewed calls to the United States to provide long-range weapons, arguing that expanded capabilities are crucial to repel ongoing Russian assaults. He also urged tougher sanctions on Russia’s gas and nuclear sectors, saying economic pressure must match the intensity of the battlefield.
In a significant industrial partnership, Norwegian munitions manufacturer Nammo signed a deal with a Ukrainian partner to produce ammunition inside Ukraine — a step toward greater defense self-sufficiency for Kyiv.
Sanctions Hit Global Energy Networks
Despite growing Western sanctions, cooperation between Kazakhstan’s Kazmunaygaz and Russia’s Lukoil continues on existing projects, highlighting the complexity of unwinding global energy ties.
In Japan, investment giant Marubeni announced that it will follow government directives on its involvement in the Sakhalin-1 oil project, after new U.S. sanctions targeted its Russian partner, Rosneft.
Meanwhile, Turkish fuel supplier Guzel Enerji revealed it will raise diesel prices, citing supply disruptions and rising insurance costs triggered by restrictions on Russian oil. The move underscores how sanctions are reshaping global fuel markets and driving up consumer prices.
Diplomatic Tensions and Financial Support
President Zelenskyy called out Hungary’s Viktor Orban, urging him to lift objections blocking Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union. The European Commission responded positively, praising Ukraine, Moldova, Albania, and Montenegro for reform progress and suggesting that new members could join the EU by 2030.
However, EU officials warned that funding for Ukraine in 2026 could face delays unless a deal to use frozen Russian assets moves forward.
Germany stepped in with strong support, pledging €3 billion in additional aid for next year — bringing its total assistance since 2022 to nearly €40 billion.
Meanwhile, Putin will skip this month’s G20 Summit in South Africa, where he faces an ICC arrest warrant. Instead, Maxim Oreshkin, a deputy chief of staff, will represent Russia.
In the background, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continues to act as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia to ensure nuclear safety at plants, including the vulnerable Zaporizhzhia facility.
Conclusion: The War Deepens as Global Stakes Rise
From front-line battles to economic warfare and diplomatic standoffs, day 1,350 of the Russia-Ukraine war highlights a conflict that’s far from over. As new weapons roll out and sanctions ripple through global markets, the world remains on edge — watching closely as the next phase unfolds.