War Between Russia and Ukraine: Recap of Crucial Developments on Day 778

 

On Friday, April 12, 2024, significant events unfolded across various fronts:

Amid escalating hostilities, Russian missiles and drones wreaked havoc by targeting a major electricity plant near Kyiv and striking power facilities across Ukraine. The devastation included the complete annihilation of the Trypilska coal-powered thermal power plant near the capital, as confirmed by a senior official from the operating company speaking to Reuters.

 

In response to the heightened military demands, Ukraine's parliament passed a contentious mobilization law aimed at bolstering the armed forces. The revised law, albeit diluted from its initial proposal, aims to streamline the identification process of eligible conscripts, combating widespread evasion tactics seen in the country.

 

On the diplomatic stage, Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), voiced grave concerns over drone assaults targeting the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant under Russian control in southern Ukraine. Speaking at a special session of the agency's Board of Governors, Grossi emphasized the urgent need to halt these attacks to prevent a potentially catastrophic escalation of the conflict.

 

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine reiterated the pressing need for military aid and advanced air defense systems in the face of Russia's escalating aggression. Criticizing the hesitance of Ukraine's allies in providing swift assistance, Zelenskyy underscored the broader threat posed by Russian belligerence to neighboring nations and international norms.

 

Meanwhile, during a state visit to Washington, DC, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida warned US lawmakers of the dire consequences of Ukraine collapsing under Russia's onslaught. Kishida urged decisive action, stressing the pivotal role of US support in preventing potential ripple effects that could embolden adversaries like China and spark instability in East Asia.

 

In the realm of security cooperation, Ukraine and Latvia solidified a 10-year agreement aimed at enhancing mutual defense capabilities. Under this agreement, Latvia pledged annual military assistance to Ukraine equivalent to 0.25 percent of its GDP. Additionally, Latvia committed to providing support in cyber defense, demining efforts, unmanned technologies, and facilitating Ukraine's aspirations for EU and NATO accession.