The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate as it enters day 833, with significant events unfolding on multiple fronts. In the eastern Donetsk region, intense fighting has resulted in casualties and prompted evacuations, while Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted Russian drone and missile attacks. On the diplomatic front, global leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine amidst the ongoing turmoil. Meanwhile, international aid and military support continue to flow into Ukraine, with new pledges from the U.S. and France.
In the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported that a woman was killed and three others were injured in Chasiv Yar due to Russian attacks. Filashkin also ordered the evacuation of children and their guardians from several towns and villages because of the worsening security situation.
The Ukrainian air force announced it shot down 17 out of 18 Shahed-type drones during a Russian assault targeting four regions. A drone that was shot down caused a fire at an infrastructure facility in the Khmelnytskyi region, though no casualties or significant damage were reported.
Additionally, Russia launched two Iskander-M ballistic missiles at Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, but there were no reports of damage.
Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, GUR, claimed to have destroyed a Russian tugboat off the coast of Russian-occupied Crimea.
Russian news agency TASS reported that Russian forces captured a Colombian national fighting alongside Ukrainian soldiers. A video released showed the man urging other Colombians not to join the conflict.
Renowned Ukrainian writer and poet Sergiy Zhadan announced he had joined the military and was undergoing training.
Political and Diplomatic Developments U.S. President Joe Biden, alongside European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Biden emphasized the importance of defending freedom and democracy, declaring it “unthinkable” to surrender to Russian aggression. He reiterated strong support for Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the ceremonies in Normandy, drawing parallels between the WWII allied efforts and Ukraine's current fight against Russia. He noted on social media that just as allies defended Europe’s freedom then, Ukrainians are doing so now, calling for unity to prevail again.
Zelenskyy also congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his election victory and urged India to participate in the Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland on June 15-16.
Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto confirmed the country’s participation in the peace summit, aiming to support Zelenskyy’s peace proposals, including the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. Hungary has maintained close ties with Russia despite the broader EU stance following Russia’s invasion.
During a visit to Beijing, Ukraine’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga called for Chinese state and private companies to increase trade and investment in Ukraine.
Ukraine’s hydroelectric company, Ukrhydroenergo, has started international arbitration, seeking 2.5 billion euros ($2.72 billion) in damages over Russia’s alleged destruction of the Kakhovka Dam and power station.
In Kharkiv, Ukrainian prosecutors reported that a former soldier who leaked sensitive military target locations to Russia was sentenced to five years in jail.
Military Aid and Weapons President Macron announced that France would provide Mirage-2000 fighter jets to Ukraine and train Ukrainian pilots. While he did not specify the number of jets or the timeline, he mentioned that pilot training would begin soon.
Macron also noted that Ukraine requested military instructors from Western allies to train its forces. Decisions on the next steps will be made collaboratively with Ukraine’s partners.
The U.S. will send approximately $225 million in military aid to Ukraine, including munitions for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), mortar systems, and various artillery rounds, according to officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
Russia-Ukraine War: Key Events on Day 832, Current Update June 6, 2024
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