Here is the situation on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

Combat

• Ukraine’s energy ministry reports overnight attacks by Russian drones and missiles on the nation’s energy systems in southern and western regions, injuring two energy workers in Zaporizhia Oblast.
• Reinforcements are being sent by Ukraine to the critical hilltop town of Chasiv Yar in eastern Donetsk, a strategic location whose seizure could expedite Russian incursions into the industrial zone.
• The Ukrainian military has conducted drone attacks on three southern Russian oil refineries, causing injuries to four individuals, including refinery workers, according to Russian regional officials in the Krasnodar area.

Political and Diplomatic Updates

• Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, faced backlash for stating in a BBC interview that NATO and the EU’s expansion provoked Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
• Japan has introduced trade restrictions against companies in China, India, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan over alleged support for Russia’s invasion.
• The European Union has decided to commence membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova next week, a move described by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “historic”.
• Ukraine is considering hosting a second summit to discuss its peace proposals with Russia, potentially in a country from the Global South, a senior official mentioned to Interfax-Ukraine news agency.
• Three men, a Russian, a Ukrainian, and an Armenian, have been detained by German prosecutors on charges of espionage for Russia, according to Der Spiegel weekly.

Armaments

• The White House has announced expedited delivery of “hundreds” of Patriot interceptor missiles to Ukraine, diverting planned shipments from other allied countries to address increasing Russian assaults on Ukrainian energy facilities.
• The Pentagon has authorized Ukraine to use US-provided missiles to target Russian sites beyond the front lines near the Kharkiv region if it is for self-defense.