Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Significant Events on Day 808

The war in Ukraine has entered its 808th day, with ongoing developments taking place on Sunday, May 12, 2024. The situation remains tense as fighting continues to escalate between Ukrainian and Russian forces. In the Russian city of Belgorod, a missile strike resulted in a section of a multi-storey apartment block collapsing, leading to at least three casualties. The Russian Ministry of Defence reported destroying two Soviet-era ballistic missiles launched by Ukrainian forces over Belgorod. Additionally, a missile attack on a restaurant in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, resulted in three deaths and eight injuries, with Russian-backed administration attributing the strikes to US HIMARS rocket launchers.

Overnight clashes in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region saw Moscow claiming victory in capturing five villages and advancing in Donetsk. However, Kyiv refuted these claims and asserted that they were successfully repelling attacks and fighting for control of settlements. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the ongoing battles in border villages in Kharkiv and described the situation in Donetsk as “extremely difficult.” Kharkiv regional Governor Oleg Synegubov announced that over 4,000 people had been evacuated from areas near the Russian border following Moscow’s surprise ground offensive in the region.

In terms of politics and diplomacy, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that two key government officials overseeing the defence industry and energy sectors would receive additional responsibilities as Russia prepares for a prolonged conflict in Ukraine. In Lithuania, both incumbent President Gitanas Nauseda and Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, who are both supportive of Ukraine, are promising to protect the country against Russian threats as the nation heads to the polls. Meanwhile, Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that Ukrainians with residence permits and jobs in Germany could remain in the country, while Ukraine continues to recruit nationals living abroad to join the fight against Russia.