Russia’s invasion of Ukraine entered its 1,038th day on December 28, with key events including the foiling of a plot by Ukrainian intelligence services to kill Russian officers and war bloggers. According to reports, over 1,000 North Korean soldiers sent to fight in Russia have been killed or wounded, prompting criticism from both sides.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence claimed control of two eastern Ukrainian villages, while downing four British-made Storm Shadow missiles. However, Ukraine’s air force shot down 13 out of 24 Russian drones launched in an overnight attack.
Diplomatic efforts continued, with the US administration pledging to approve fresh military aid to Ukraine, including air defence systems. Slovakia also offered its support for peace talks, following a proposal from Russia. Meanwhile, Ukraine received its first batch of liquefied natural gas from the US, which is seen as crucial for boosting Ukrainian and European energy security.
In dissenting news, a Russian court sentenced a singer who burned his passport in protest against the war to five and a half years in prison, citing public insults and rehabilitating Nazism.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/28/russia-ukraine-war-list-of-key-events-day-1038