The war between Russia and Ukraine has reached its 1,250th day, marked by intense fighting, deadly drone strikes, civilian casualties, and growing political pressure from international allies.
Kyiv Attacked: Russian forces launched a drone attack on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, early Monday morning. Five people were injured, and a residential building was damaged, according to local officials.
Evacuee Bus Targeted: In Sumy, near the Russian border, a Russian drone struck a bus carrying 39 Ukrainian evacuees. Three were killed, and 19 others were injured, local authorities confirmed.
Landmine and Shelling Casualties: Two more people died in a landmine blast in Sumy’s Esman community on Saturday, while two others were killed in separate Russian strikes in the Donetsk region. That brings the total civilian death toll for the day to at least six.
Ukraine Retaliates with Drone Strikes: Ukraine launched a drone attack on Russia’s Leningrad region, where at least 10 Ukrainian drones were shot down near St. Petersburg. Debris injured one woman, and the city’s Pulkovo Airport had to shut down temporarily, delaying or rerouting 79 flights.
Navy Day Parade Cancelled: Due to security concerns from the drone threat, Russia canceled its large Navy Day parade in St. Petersburg. However, President Vladimir Putin watched naval drills remotely involving 150 ships and 15,000 troops across the Pacific, Arctic, Baltic, and Caspian seas.
Drone War Intensifies: Russia’s Ministry of Defence said it shot down 291 Ukrainian drones on Sunday alone—less than the record 524 drones intercepted back on May 7, just before the Victory Day celebrations.
EU Warns Ukraine on Anti-Corruption: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to protect the country’s independent anti-corruption agencies. This comes after Ukraine’s parliament moved to limit their autonomy, drawing criticism from the EU. Zelenskyy said he submitted a new bill to restore their independence and promised quick action.
New Russia–North Korea Flight Route: Russia has reopened direct air travel to North Korea for the first time in decades. Flights between Moscow and Pyongyang will now operate monthly, according to Russia’s Transport Ministry.
Austria Open to NATO Talks: Austria’s Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger said her country is ready for a national discussion about joining NATO, signaling a possible shift from decades of neutrality, especially in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
As the war grinds on, the situation remains deadly and unpredictable. With rising civilian casualties, an expanding drone war, and political tensions growing both within Ukraine and abroad, the conflict shows no sign of slowing. Meanwhile, international alliances are shifting, and pressure continues to mount for both sides—on the battlefield and at the diplomatic table.
