Ukraine shoots down Russian Su-25. In a major development, Ukrainian air defence forces successfully brought down a Russian Su-25 fighter jet near Pokrovsk. The aircraft was attempting to attack Ukrainian defence positions when anti-aircraft units from the General Marko Bezruchko Brigade intercepted it. The Khortytsia operational-strategic group highlighted the precision and skill of the Ukrainian gunners, which led to the destruction of the enemy jet, further weakening Russia’s air capabilities in the region.
Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s support for Ukraine. According to The Guardian, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine during a historic visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to Downing Street. Zelenskiy, the first foreign leader to address the UK cabinet in person since 1997, received a standing ovation. Starmer emphasized Britain’s “unshakeable support” for Ukraine and condemned Russia’s aggression as “unforgivable.” He announced that the UK would “double down” on its support, promising to visit Ukraine again in the future. This visit highlighted the strong bond between the UK and Ukraine, with Starmer expressing confidence in continued backing for Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression.
Russian war against Ukraine enters day 877. Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion remains fierce as the war hits day 877, with the past 24 hours seeing over 130 combat clashes. According to the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff, Russia launched three missile attacks, 73 airstrikes, and 4,675 shelling incidents, including 139 from multiple launch rocket systems. Despite this, Ukrainian forces are striking back hard, destroying five tanks, 19 armoured combat vehicles, 55 artillery systems, and more. Intense battles are raging in regions like Kharkiv, Lyman, Siversk, and Kramatorsk, with Ukrainian troops successfully holding their ground.
Meanwhile, adding to the turmoil, the situation in Krynyky village, Kherson region, has been a hotspot of recent military action. According to RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service, Ukrainian forces had to pull back from some positions due to heavy Russian attacks. Despite this, they continue to hold strategic spots on the left bank of the Dnipro River. Even with tough conditions, like limited cover and not enough boats, Ukrainian troops have managed to deal significant blows to Russian forces. The operation in Krynyky is part of a larger strategy to stretch Russian forces and keep them from focusing on more critical fronts.
Russians target Mykolaiv; the children’s playground is hit. Around 17:22, explosions rocked Mykolaiv, hitting a residential area, according to Mayor Oleksandr Senkevych. The blasts have caused casualties and injuries, and the Ukrainian Air Force confirmed a Russian missile was spotted over the region. An air raid alert went off at 16:51, and the Air Force had warned residents to seek shelter cover by the time the explosions happened. Emergency medical teams rushed to the scene, as reported by Vitaliy Kim, head of the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration. Before the rescue teams arrived, locals were already helping each other at the impact site. Reports also came in about explosions in the surrounding areas. By 18:11, the devastating impact of the attack had already claimed three lives, including a child, and left five people injured. Adding to the tragedy, Russian forces struck a children’s playground. Ukraine’s Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko revealed that the child’s mother is in deep shock, and the State Emergency Service is on hand to provide much-needed psychological support.
