Russia-Ukraine: List of Key Events, Day 1,203

Wednesday 11 June 2025 - 10:33

By: Zahouani Ilham

Russia-Ukraine: List of Key Events, Day 1,203

As of June 11, the situation in the Russia-Ukraine war remains tense:

Military Developments

Russia has initiated a significant drone and missile offensive against Ukraine, resulting in casualties in Kyiv and Odesa, with one death in Kyiv and two in Odesa, alongside at least 13 injuries. In retaliation, a Ukrainian drone strike in Belgorod led to one fatality and four injuries, according to local authorities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the assault on Kyiv as among the most extensive in the ongoing conflict. The attack sparked multiple fires and inflicted damage on notable structures, including St. Sophia Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In the northeastern region, the Kharkiv governor announced mandatory evacuations for seven villages due to safety concerns. The Ukrainian military reported that Russia deployed 315 drones and seven missiles, while Ukrainian defenses managed to intercept 213 drones and several missiles.

Prisoner Exchange

The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the return of a second group of servicemen following a recent prisoner exchange. President Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine also received prisoners during this process, emphasizing the continuation of exchanges, with expectations of over 1,000 prisoners being released from both sides based on recent negotiations.

Political Reactions

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the Russian attacks against Ukrainian civilians. In the U.S., Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth indicated a forthcoming reduction in military aid to Ukraine, advocating for a negotiated settlement as the best path forward.

Additionally, the European Commission has proposed new sanctions targeting Russia's oil revenues and military industries. In a notable domestic development, opposition politician Lev Shlosberg was arrested in Russia, facing charges related to his comments on the war. Furthermore, Finnish authorities are investigating a reported violation of their airspace by a Russian military aircraft.