Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Visits Sweden
On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Sweden, marking his first visit to the country since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, back in Ukraine, a missile strike in a northern city resulted in the death of seven people and numerous injuries.
Zelenskyy’s Visit to Sweden
Zelenskyy was scheduled to meet with officials at Harpsund, the prime minister’s summertime residence located about 120 kilometers west of Stockholm. Additionally, he had plans to meet Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia at a nearby palace. Sweden, breaking its policy of military nonalignment, has been supporting Ukraine with weapons and aid in its war against Russia. The Swedish government has provided substantial military support, including artillery units, tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, weapons, and ammunition. Moreover, Sweden has applied for NATO membership but is still awaiting approval.
Missile Strike in Chernihiv
As Zelenskyy arrived in Sweden, tragedy struck in Ukraine. A Russian missile strike hit the city center of Chernihiv, the capital of the northern Ukrainian province with the same name. Seven people lost their lives, including a 6-year-old girl, and 90 others were wounded, including 12 children. The attack targeted various buildings, including a theater and a university. Zelenskyy strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing the need to unite against such acts of terrorism.
Putin’s Visit to Rostov-on-Don
Meanwhile, in Russia, President Vladimir Putin visited military officials in Rostov-on-Don, near the Ukrainian border. The exact details of his visit were not confirmed, but reports indicate that he met with top military brass, including the commander responsible for Moscow’s operations in Ukraine. This visit followed a recent mutiny attempt by the Wagner mercenary group in the same city.
Developments in the Conflict
Ukraine reported counteroffensive gains in the southeastern front, reclaiming control of the village of Urozhaine in the Donetsk region. However, the leader of the Russian battalion fighting in Urozhaine called for a “freezing of the front,” admitting that they cannot achieve victory against Ukraine. Additionally, Ukraine’s air force successfully shot down 15 out of 17 Russian drones that were targeting various regions.
Attacks on Ukrainian Regions
Overnight into Saturday, a drone attack in the western Khmelnytskyi region resulted in two injuries and damage to multiple buildings. Another drone attack in the Zhytomyr region targeted an infrastructure facility and caused a fire but did not result in any casualties.