"Russia-Ukraine War: Day 624 - Bloodshed at Ukrainian Medal Ceremony, Avdiivka Onslaught Intensifies, Russian Attacks on Ports Continue, Putin's Election Campaign Avoids War Theme"

On day 624 of the Russia-Ukraine war, three people were killed in Russian attacks on a village in eastern Ukraine, a civilian vessel was damaged by a Russian missile in the Black Sea, Ukraine accused Russia of attacking its power infrastructure, Ukraine claimed responsibility for the assassination of a Moscow-backed parliament deputy, and Russia was reported to be sending Ukrainian prisoners of war to fight on its side. The G7 reiterated its support for Ukraine, the European Commission recommended opening membership talks with Ukraine, and Russia praised its military cooperation with China. Russian military courts sentenced two Ukrainian soldiers and sought an eight-year jail term for an artist who protested against the war. Ukraine's parliament approved a law to use income tax paid by military personnel for arms purchases, while Slovakia's new government rejected a plan to send more military aid to Ukraine.