Fresh drone strikes, nuclear safety concerns, and rising tensions mark the latest day of the Russia-Ukraine war, as both sides trade attacks and global leaders weigh in on the conflict
The Russia-Ukraine war entered day 1,321 with heavy fighting, regional tensions, and new diplomatic movements shaping the battlefield and beyond. Monday’s developments ranged from drone strikes and nuclear risks to fresh political statements from Moscow, Kyiv, and Washington.
Escalation Around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that two rounds of shelling landed less than a mile from the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant on Monday afternoon — one of the most dangerous flashpoints in the war.
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi warned that the situation remains “highly precarious,” as the plant has been running on emergency diesel generators for nearly two weeks after losing its external power supply. Both Russia and Ukraine accused each other of the strikes near the plant.
Drone and Missile Attacks Across the Front
Ukrainian forces claimed responsibility for a drone strike on the Feodosia oil terminal in Russian-occupied Crimea, causing what they described as a “large-scale fire.”
In Sumy, a Russian missile attack hit the roof of a perinatal center, sparking a fire. Fortunately, all babies, patients, and staff had already evacuated to a bomb shelter, according to Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian President’s Office.
Across Ukraine’s Kharkiv, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions, Russian shelling killed at least four people and injured more than 19 others, local officials said.
On the Russian side, authorities reported that a Ukrainian missile killed two civilians in Belgorod, while a Ukrainian drone strike in Russian-occupied Luhansk left one dead, according to local pro-Russian officials.
Regional Security and Accusations
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed accusations linking Russia to recent drone sightings across Europe, calling them “really rather strange.” He criticized what he described as a tendency among European politicians to “blame Russia for everything.”
Meanwhile, a Polish court ruled that a Ukrainian diver — wanted by Germany for alleged involvement in the Nord Stream pipeline explosions — must remain in custody for another 40 days, his lawyer confirmed.
Political and Military Developments
In the diplomatic sphere, Finland’s President Alexander Stubb and Prime Minister Petteri Orpo announced a visit to Washington, D.C. later this week for talks with US President Donald Trump.
Trump, when asked about potential Tomahawk missile sales to European allies, said he was “not looking to escalate that war,” signaling a cautious approach amid mounting tension. His remarks came shortly after Vladimir Putin warned that such a move could “destroy progress” in Moscow–Washington relations.
Elsewhere, Czech President Petr Pavel urged his country’s politicians to continue ammunition support for Ukraine, warning that ending the aid “would primarily harm ourselves” and “lead to more deaths” in Ukraine.
As day 1,321 of the Russia-Ukraine war closes, the situation remains volatile — from the dangerous shelling near Zaporizhzhia’s nuclear plant to political maneuvering in Europe and Washington. With both sides trading drone attacks and warnings, peace remains as distant as ever.