As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, significant developments unfold daily. On the 874th day of the war, intense military actions and notable political maneuvers have occurred, impacting both nations and drawing international attention. Below are the key updates from the latest day of this ongoing war.

Explosions Over Kyiv, Casualties in Kherson, and Drone Strikes in Belgorod
Kyiv: Explosions echoed over Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, as air defenses successfully downed a Russian drone. Fortunately, the falling debris caused no damage, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

In the southern region of Kherson, controlled by Russia, at least one person was killed and eight others were wounded due to Ukrainian shelling and drone attacks, reported the Moscow-backed governor of the area.

In Russia’s Belgorod region, bordering Ukraine, authorities stated that a Ukrainian drone struck a passenger car, resulting in the death of a young couple.

In a significant exchange, Russia and Ukraine each released 95 captured soldiers, totaling 190 prisoners of war. This marks the third such swap in the past seven weeks, mediated by the United Arab Emirates.

Officials in Kharkiv, Ukraine, revealed plans to construct underground schools to safeguard children amidst near-daily Russian attacks on the northeastern city.

The Kremlin refuted claims of a failed major ground offensive in Kharkiv, following statements from Russian officials about sealing off border villages to protect civilians from Ukrainian shelling.

Military Aid

Germany is reportedly planning to halve its military aid to Ukraine next year, despite concerns about potentially reduced support from the United States if Republican candidate Donald Trump returns to the White House. Reuters, citing a draft of Germany’s 2025 budget, indicated that German aid to Ukraine would decrease to 4 billion euros ($4.35 billion) in 2025 from around 8 billion euros in 2024.

Politics and Diplomacy

The European Parliament criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, emphasizing that Orban did not represent the European Union during his visit.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia is open to working with any US leader willing to engage in "equitable, mutually respectful dialogue," and welcomed the Ukraine stance of US Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance.

NATO appointed British official Patrick Turner as its senior representative in Ukraine. Turner has held senior positions within the alliance.

Estonia and Lithuania announced they would no longer permit Belarus-registered cars to enter through checkpoints on their borders with Russia or Belarus, citing EU sanctions against Belarus.

Recent Updates:

Biden Launches 'Ukraine Compact' to Boost Kyiv's Defense and Security

Heavy Missile Attack on Kyiv: Children's Hospital Damaged, 41 Dead, Over 150 Wounded

Russia Launches Daytime Missile Strike on Ukraine, Kills 20 Including Children's Hospital in Kyiv